Controversial plans for a home in an Oxford suburb for children with "emotional and behavioural difficulties" have been approved.
Applicant Aryas Properties sought permission from Oxford City Council to turn two neighbouring houses in Windmill Road, Headington, into children's homes.
These houses will accommodate four children under the age of 18 with one of the occupants "requiring more intensive support".
An applicant planning paper said: "The application is being made to convert the existing two dwellings into a care home for children.
"The management company that intends to run the business proposes that the properties will be interconnected and provide accommodation for four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (mixed sex, aged 11-17 on admission).
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"The company will employ, at minimum, a two to one ratio of staff to children to provide suitable care."
The arrangement will involve 11 full-time staff working in rotation and providing care.
On October 25, council planning officers permitted the scheme using delegated powers.
In their report, it said: “The council considers that the proposal accords with the policies of the development plan as summarised below. It has taken into consideration all other material matters, including matters raised in response to consultation and publicity.
"Any material harm that the development would otherwise give rise to can be offset by the conditions imposed.
“Officers have considered carefully all objections to these proposals.
"Officers have come to the view, for the detailed reasons set out in the officers' report, that the objections do not amount, individually or cumulatively, to a reason for refusal and that all the issues that have been raised have been adequately addressed and the relevant bodies consulted.”
A total of 11 objections were submitted by members of the public. They cited reasons such as the impacts of traffic, the suitability of the location, and the potential noise increases.
One supporting comment was also received which said: “Headington is a supportive community with excellent community assets and infrastructure, which is ideal for providing a good environment to support young people who have experienced adversity, to thrive.”
The officers' report added: “It is noted that a number of concerns have been raised regarding the location of the care home adjacent to a social club that allows the use of alcohol, smoking, late night, music etc and that this can sometime result in anti-social behaviour.
“It is understood that the applicant would need to carry out a locational risk assessment prior to implementing the change of use which would flag up any potential issues within regard to the compatibility of the site and its surrounding area and potential risks.
"This is controlled under separate legislation and requirements.”
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby
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