51 Windermere Avenue, Hornchurch. Credit: Google
(Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sebastian Mann)
The two-storey property in Windermere Avenue has been in operation since May 2023, with three carers working in shifts and often sleeping there.
It was initially set up to accommodate one disabled person, aged between two and seventeen years old, but the plans were updated to a maximum of two.
Neither the exterior or interior of the traditional family home have been altered.
Though the council had backed the scheme for the Ofsted-regulated home, 47 out of the 54 residents consulted objected to the change of use.
Elm Park ward councillor Barry Mugglestone was among those who opposed it, and requested it was debated by the local planning committee at a meeting on 22nd August.
His reasons included the risk of crime and antisocial behaviour worsening, a potential increase in traffic, and that “you can’t simply change a residential property into a care home with high-risk children”.
He told the committee: “Havering has a desperate need for family homes, and this is a family home.”
He added that residents had complained to him of an increase in antisocial behaviour over the past 14 months, despite there being no police records.
He said officers from the Metropolitan Police had been called to the residence twice, but it went unrecorded.
Committee chairman Robby Misir requested the decision be deferred so the council could seek proof of the police’s enquiries, as well as any Ofsted reports on the facility.
He said: “That’s going to substantiate a lot of the decision made by the committee. If we know the police have been, then we can assume there is antisocial behaviour and noise.”
However, he was advised by a legal officer the committee would need to base its decision on the substance of the police reports, not assumptions. A planning officer said “poorly run” care homes can be a “nuisance,” but would “integrate well” if properly managed.
Helen Oakerbee, the council’s assistant director of planning, said it was also important to “absolutely” establish the child-to-carer ratio.
During the meeting, concerns were also raised by councillor Philippa Crowder that the accommodation may not be big enough for residents requiring more intricate care, and said she would refuse the application.
Cllr Mugglestone argued it would result in the loss of a much-needed family home, though the planning officer said it would “operate in the same manner” as a single household.
Similar plans to convert a two-storey home in Dorking Road, Romford, into a children’s home were put forward in June.
The scheme was rejected on 9th August, after the council decided it would “materially change” the area’s character. The applicant, Christina Addison, also failed to demonstrate the change-of-use would not increase the amount of traffic in the street.
However, plans to turn a home in Station Lane into a facility for up to three children were allowed to go ahead earlier this month.
Gerry O’Sullivan, a fellow Havering Residents Association councillor, said: “The burden on Havering Council is growing and growing, and that’s quite significant – particularly as we’re skint.”
Since February, the council has overspent by around £18million. It entered the financial year with a £32.5m deficit, and may need to rely on a £54m government loan to stay afloat.
One of the biggest pressures it faces is providing care for the growing number of children in the borough, the council says.
A decision on the application will be made at a later planning meeting.
