Planning Permission Approved – Change of Use to Children’s Care Home in Wokingham

Welcome to another HEAL Planning case study video with John Peters. In this video, we explore how our expert planning team secured approval for a change of use from a single-family dwelling to a children’s care home in Wokingham — transforming a previously refused Lawful Development Certificate into a fully approved planning permission.

This project demonstrates how professional planning support, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of local and national planning policy can make the difference between refusal and success.

The case began with a refusal from Wokingham Borough Council, who determined that the proposed use as a small children’s home fell under a different planning use class and required full permission rather than a Lawful Development Certificate. Following this setback, the applicant contacted HEAL Planning for expert advice.

After a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our senior planning officers, we reviewed the planning history and identified that the proposal had strong policy grounds for approval under a full application. Our team prepared a detailed written strategy outlining how the case could be reframed and presented to meet both local policy and national guidance on the provision of care for vulnerable young people.

The new application was submitted as a full planning application for the change of use from Class C3 (dwellinghouse) to Class C2 (children’s residential care home). The proposal allowed for up to two children, aged nine to eighteen, supported by four rotating staff members working on a 24-hour shift basis. Crucially, there were no physical alterations proposed, and the use of the property remained residential in nature — similar in scale and intensity to a typical family home.

Our planning statement demonstrated clear compliance with Wokingham’s Core Strategy policies, highlighting that the site was within a principal settlement area where such development is acceptable in principle. We also showed that the proposed use would not cause unacceptable levels of noise, traffic, or disturbance. The existing parking layout and access were entirely suitable, ensuring there would be no highway safety concerns.

The council assessed the application under delegated powers and approved it on the 8th of August, attaching a few standard conditions relating to parking layout and staff rota confirmation before occupation.

This successful outcome highlights the power of reframing a refused application through expert planning advice and evidence-based justification. At HEAL Planning, we specialise in turning planning refusals into approvals, with a focus on robust policy alignment, accurate use class interpretation, and a proactive engagement strategy.

If you are planning a children’s care home, or your change of use application has been refused, our experienced team can help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review your case, identify the strongest route forward, and provide a clear, costed proposal before you proceed.

With extensive experience and a proven success rate across hundreds of planning appeals and applications nationwide, HEAL Planning is here to help you achieve your planning goals efficiently and confidently.

#PlanningPermissionSuccess #ChangeOfUseApplication #ChildrensCareHomePlanning