Children’s care home plan on hold after discussions with legal team

Plans to transform a residential property into a home to care for up to five children are on hold. South Holland district councillors were due to make a decision on the application for 19 Langwith Drive in Holbeach at their most recent planning committee meeting. However, they took just two minutes to agree they should request the decision be deferred to clarify some unnamed issues.

This was made following discussions with the authority’s legal team. “When I read this report I had some issues,” said committee chairman Coun James Avery. “Upon re-reading the report I still had those issues and I couldn’t get answers to those issues, so I will welcome a deferral for those items to be addressed.



” The application made by Mr D. John received representations from MP Sir John Hayes and 12 members of the public. Concerns raised include anti-social behaviour, noise disturbance, the potential devaluing of neighbouring properties, and a lack of consultation with neighbours.

As the request was for a lawful development certificate - which provides formal confirmation that a proposed use of the building is acceptable - rather than planning permission - third party consultation is not required. Mr John has confirmed he does not know the ages of the young people, but confirmed his cousin would assist with the care. Within two minutes of the item being opened, councillors voted unanimously in favour of the application being deferred.

“That’s probably the quickest item we’ve ever had on the agenda,” Coun Avery quipped..