Care home plan to be decided after 20 objections lodged

Plans to turn a family home into an eight-bedroom care home have been recommended for approval despite objections from neighbours.

Saf Khaliq applied to Rochdale Council to turn 9 Thornham New Road, Rochdale, into a residential care home for adults.

The application was called in by Cllr Aiza Rashid and will be determined by the council’s planning committee tomorrow after “significant concerns raised by neighbouring occupiers and the substantial local interest the application has generated”.

There were 20 objections which raised concerns about parking already being an issue in Thornham New Road.

Objections were raised that the plan is unsustainable and is an over intensification of a single family home and it would out of character for the area.

There were also concerns about noise and general disturbance.

The application states that the home will operate 24 hours a day and there will be two staff present at all times.

An officer’s report said: “The proposed development would provide specialist residential care accommodation within an established residential area and would contribute
towards meeting the borough’s need for such facilities.

“The proposal would retain a residential form of development that is compatible with the character and function of the surrounding area.

“Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the development would not result in unacceptable harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, would provide an acceptable standard of accommodation for future residents, and would not give rise to any unacceptable impacts in respect of highway safety or parking.

“Whilst the concerns raised by local residents have been carefully considered, it is not considered that they identify harm of such significance as to justify withholding planning permission.

“The proposed change of use would retain a residential form of development within an established residential area and would not undermine the overall character or function of the locality.

“In addition, the proposal would provide specialist residential care accommodation, contributing to the range of housing and care facilities available within the borough. The principle of the development is therefore considered acceptable.”

The application has been recommended for approval.

SUPPORT THE ROCHDALE TIMES: FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Got a story?
We’d love to hear it! Share your news with us. Email: editorial@rochdaletimes.co.uk