Application to house adults with autism in Surfleet refused

An application to turn a residential property into a dwelling house for six adults with autism has been refused.

Kisimul School Holdings wanted to transform the use of Surfleet’s Bridge House.

However, South Holland District Council planners have turned down their request for a lawful development certificate, which would mean the proposal did not require planning permission.

Because the application comprises the two-storey detached dwelling and also an outbuilding on Park Lane, it was deemed a certificate could not be justified.

“Planning permission would be required for the proposals as two dwellings would be provided rather than one,” the planning officer’s report stated.

“It is therefore considered that the certificate cannot be granted on the basis of the submitted information.”

Planning papers put forward by the Kismul Group - which specialises in educational and care services for children and young adults with complex learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, autism and global development delay - argued: “Care and welfare needs do not stop at 19 years of age when pupils become adults.

“There is a clear demand for accommodation for these adults.

“In operation, the use will have the characteristics of a residential dwelling; indeed, the property will be the long-term home of its occupants. The property is large and can potentially accommodate a large extended family.

“The site will provide long-term residential accommodation for adults with autism in a high-quality environment. Demand for specialist care facilities for people with autism is increasing.”