• h. Is in a location that is easily accessible by public transport.

Explanation

  1. The council has a special responsibility to ensure that children in care and young people in supported accommodation have the support and opportunities that should be available to all. Part of this is providing suitable accommodation for these housing needs.
  2. A children’s residential care home falls within Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) and provides full time care for the residents. Supported living is also an important resource for young people. It can provide housing for those transitioning from residential care who may still require support. Supported housing for young people can also be for those who are at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, suffering from mental health or other potentially complex issues. There is also demand for housing for those with additional needs transitioning from the family or other housing.
  3. The GMCA Children's Placement Sufficiency Strategy, reports that Stockport's share of the total Greater Manchester residential care demand is only 7%, but nearly a quarter of Greater Manchester's residential care supply is based here. This means that Stockport regularly host placements from other Greater Manchester areas. It is highly preferable for children in residential care to stay within their local area. This helps them to maintain connections to family, friends and other support services. Given this, it is important that applications for these types of accommodation provide a demonstration of local need.
  4. Further to this, such accommodation should be accessible and preferably close to local amenities. They should also be close to public transport facilities to reflect the increased intensity of activity which it may generate and, in particular circumstances, the specific requirements of the expected occupants. Siting must also respect the residential amenity of the wider area. It is essential that the location of these types of accommodation is carefully considered to avoid overconcentration of these premises which would effectively change the character of established residential areas.

HOM 11: Houses in multiple occupation

  1. 1. Permission will not be granted for the conversion of dwellings to houses in multiple occupation, unless the proposal:
  • Does not result in two or more houses in multiple occupation adjoining;
  • Does not involve a terraced property;