We’re delighted to share another planning success, a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD) has been granted confirming the lawful change of use of a dwelling in Doncaster, to a children’s residential home for up to 2 children.
The application was submitted to Doncaster Council on behalf of Illuminate Care Group, who are committed to providing high-quality, community-based care settings for children and young people.
About the Proposal
The proposal sought confirmation that the use of the property in Doncaster as a children’s home (Use Class C2) would be lawful, due to there being no material change in the character of the use when compared to the existing C3 dwellinghouse.
Why a Certificate of Lawfulness Was Appropriate
Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows applicants to seek legal confirmation that a proposed use would be lawful at the time of application.
Where evidence demonstrates that the proposal:
-
does not result in a material change in land-use character;
-
does not result in materially greater environmental or amenity impacts;
-
does not involve external alterations;
then planning permission is not required, and the Local Planning Authority (LPA) should grant a certificate. Government guidance confirms that when an applicant’s evidence is precise and unambiguous, a certificate should be granted unless the LPA holds contrary evidence. Our guide on Understanding Material Change of Use: When Does a Development Require Planning Permission? is a good blog to read to get your head around when material change of use occurs and doesn’t.
A Positive Outcome
Given the evidence submitted and that no material change in character or amenity impact was identified, Doncaster Council issued a Certificate confirming the lawful proposed use within 11 days, massive kudos to the planning team in Doncaster for such a efficient and effective service.
This successful outcome enables Illuminate Care Group to continue expanding high-quality residential services for children, in a warm homely environment.
Need planning assistance for residential care provision?
Planning House has extensive experience supporting care providers in navigating lawful use, material change, and planning matters for residential children’s homes, supported living settings, and community-based care models.
Related Content
At Planning House, we’re proud to support the creation of safe, family-style children’s homes that make a real difference to young lives. If you’d like to understand more about how planning can help deliver care-based developments:
-
Take a look at our eBook on the Application Process, which explains the planning journey in detail.
-
Not sure if you need professional support? Read our blog on When to Hire a Town Planner.
-
If you’re considering a care or children’s home project, our Guide on How to Choose a Town Planner can help you find the right expertise.
And of course, if you’d like tailored advice about supporting children’s homes or any other change of use project, don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
