Bungalow to become a care home

PLANNING bosses at Warrington have given the go-ahead for a controversial plan to convert a three-bedroomed bungalow into a residential care home for six adults with learning difficulties.
Nearby residents in Burtonwood Road, Whittle Hall objected to the proposal, which they claimed was incompatible with a residential area.
They are that the development was inappropriate, there would be parking and traffic problems 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 said major alterations had already taken place prior to the planning application. Originally it was a three-bedroomed detached dormer bungalow but had been changed to give the impression the change of use would involve no changes in the layout of the property.
He questioned whether two toilets and two bathrooms were adequate in what had become a seven bedroomed property to be used as a care home.
He also pointed out that the property ran on a small septic tank which would be inadequate for the increased use of the building.
A report to the borough council’s planning committee said there would 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 said it was not considered that the level of comings and goings would have a significant impact on the residential amenity of neighbours. They would be mainly during sociable hours and would not create any undue noise.
They recommended the scheme be approved – and the committee agreed.