Storm over care home plan for bungalow

A STORM has broken over a plan to convert a three-bedroomed bungalow at Warrington into a residential care home for six adults with learning difficulties.
Nearby residents in Burtonwood Road, Whittle Hall say the proposed use is incompatible with a residential area, the development is inappropriate, parking and traffic problems will be caused and there will be overlooking and privacy issues.
Borough councillor Keith Gleave has also objected on the grounds of a lack of consultation with local residents.
He says major alterations have already taken place prior to the planning application. Originally it was a three-bedroomed detached dormer bungalow but has been changed to give the impression the change of use will involve no changes in the layout of the property.
He questions whether two toilets and two bathrooms are adequate in what has become a seven bedroomed property to be used as a care home and also points out that the property runs on a small septic tank which will be inadequate for the increased use of the building.
A report to be considered by the borough council’s planning committee says there will be six service users living in the property, with a maximum number of five staff during the day, four during the evening and two at night.
The property would be used to provide respite care for the main carers of the residents.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved.