Plans to convert a six-bedroom house at 15 Waterdale Close, Hardwicke, into a care home for up to three young people with complex needs have been officially rejected. The proposal, submitted by Mohammed Khan, was turned down by Stroud District Council on June 26 due to insufficient evidence demonstrating a critical need for such a facility in this primarily residential area.
Council officials highlighted the lack of information showing that more appropriate sites had been considered. Additionally, concerns were raised about the property’s narrow driveway, which would not accommodate the parking and maneuvering needs of multiple vehicles safely. The increase in vehicle access raised fears about traffic hazards, especially the risk of cars reversing onto the road in a busy neighborhood.
The local community voiced strong opposition, with over 60 formal objections citing the unsuitability of the care home within a quiet residential street. Residents expressed worries about increased noise, traffic, and safety risks, as well as the potential precedent it could set for similar developments in the area.
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A spokesperson representing neighbors emphasized the distress the application caused, noting that homes within Dales Wharf are protected by a restrictive covenant to preserve the estate’s character as single-family dwellings. They argued that a commercial care home operating round the clock would bring significant disruption and safety concerns to the small cul-de-sac.
These sentiments were reflected in the overwhelming response from the community and local bodies: Highways authorities, planning officers from Stroud District Council, and Hardwicke Parish Council all opposed the application. A petition titled ‘Keep Dales Wharf C3 (residential)’ garnered 190 verified signatures, underscoring widespread resistance to the proposal.