Plans to convert a semi-detached house on a Rodley cul-de-sac into supported accommodation for three people has been approved, despite concerns over parking.
Applicant Amethyst247support wants to change a five-bedroom semi on Chiltern Court, Rodley, into a residential home for three young people aged between 16 and 25 years old who are in full-time education or employment.
The home would be supported by two members of staff at any one time, with staff working on a rota basis.
Councillors on the south and west plans panel this afternoon voted 6-2 to approve the plans, subject to conditions.
The decision came despite concerns over parking, the lack of consultation with neighbours and a lack of council policy on this type of application. There were also concerns over anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Colin Campbell (Lab Dem, Otley & Yeadon) acknowledged the ‘extreme’ pressures on parking in the area but said the application would support vulnerable young people and said the impact of the new home.
He added: “It has been really depressing for me to sit through at least half a dozen of this type of application.
“We spend hours and hours arguing around it – and this will make me no friends in Rodley – but local residents have their feelings whipped up over what sort of people who will live in these units are like. We are talking about very vulnerable people we are trying to integrate into society.”
His views were echoed by Cllr Jools Heselwood (Lab, Westwood) who pointed to an ‘unconscious bias’ in some of the objections. “All children deserve to live in a family home,” she added.
But Cllr Barry Anderson (Cons, Adel & Wharfedale) said there had not been a proper consultation with local residents and pointed to concerns over parking and the lack of a council policy when deciding applications like this. He also had concerns over the lack of recreational space at the property.
The plans had been opposed by Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley). He says staff and visitors are likely to increase traffic in an already congested cul de sac, putting extra pressure on parking.
He also says there has been a proliferation of this type of application to change residential properties into what are essentially commercial businesses, with a subsequent loss of residential properties.
There are also 12 letters of objection from the public.