Do you have planning permission for extended numbers of children?

[thirtysoon]

OK: as far as I can gather there are some of you guys who employ assistants or co-childmind in your house. Please could you give me some advice on if you obtained planning permission, as it seems that some people don't have it and others do. The council says I should, but I know of 4 other CM's in my area who are registered for more children and don't have PP. Hope someone out there is up on this stuff!

I would be interested in this too.

I am starting out and where I live you are only allowed to look after 2 children other than your own without planning permission.

I have heard a horror story that if you get planning permission you can never reverse it (or something similar) and aparently it lowers the re-sale value of your house. I would like to know whether or not this is true.

I have a playroom at my house and would really like to expand beyond 6 children if possible (eventually).

Speak to NCMA about it

There are various different rules dependant upon the council you are with

I spoke to the NCMA a while back, and they said it depends on the council...however, after much arguing with Ofsted they have now registered me for 10 under 8. This is fantastic, but they also said that I should continue liasing with the planning department, and if they refuse my application then they will reduce my numbers again. I am very confused as the council said that I would need a change of use to be 'a residential care home' despite the fact that none of the mindees stay after 6pm! MrsPuddleduck- you could try for a certificate of lawful development which should allow you to have up to 6 children (you might want to check that with your local council) but you need to prove that primarily your house is still mainly domestic....

I have a friend who is a childminder in the same area as me so the same rules apply.

She is registered for 12 children and employs an assistant but I know for a fact that she did not apply for planning permission.

I'm not sure what the implications are.

I know...part of me thinks why bother! If I had just stayed quiet in the first place then it would not have mattered as Ofsted have agreed to more kids now! The planning department just told me that if you get found out then they could start enforcement action (close you down) but this would only be started if someone complained. In my case all my neighbours are very supportive, and I actually look after 2 children in my street....in your case maybe use your friend as an example, and then Ofsted have to be consistent, providing you have the facilities etc. PS don't involve planning unless you have to

Ofsted and Local Authority Planning Principles Dated:2003 (MS Word Document)

PPG4 - the relevant planning policy guidance.

Planning alas is such that they make their own decisions. Often best not to even ask them, and just hope for the best!

The Government is trying to encourage more childcare places, so local council town planners should be taking that into account. However, they also need to consider the impact of increased traffic on residential streets, increased noise to neighbouring properties, plus building alterations.

I suspect it's a bit pot luck, dependent on who the planning officer is. If planning object, may be worth printing out the letter above and sending it to them, to remind them that the Government is trying to encourage more childcare places.

thank you nanny nick: I have been on to those policies, but not sure whether to re-apply and demand more competant planning officer, or appeal to the inspectorate....I didn't make myself clear at the start, I have applied for planning permission, and got the all clear from traffic people, children's services you name it, as I say, even Ofsted have come round to my way of thinking (it was them who asked for PP in the first place!) My planning permission was refused at comittee stage by a grumpy old counsillor who, and I quote 'thinks that CM's have to many kids anyway' grrrr. This despite the fact that it was put forward for approval by the planning dept!

Can you write to the counsellor who objected? Enclosing the Government letter. Perhaps they need reminding what Government policy is. Also, have you involved your MP (especially if they are Labour)? Government want more childcare places, so with luck an MP will feel they should back your plans.

Surely there must be a reason why the application was rejected? Some counsellor not liking it, isn't good enough in my view. Local counsellors are voted onto the council by local people - so if they can be voted out! You certainly know who not to vote for next time round.
Local paper - they love stories about rouge counsellor's.

Can you just keep on applying? That's what housing developers seem to do. Expect an issue will be cost... new planning application fee each time I expect.

good plan! my local paper is full of it too! Also planning officers report was useless, and they quoted loss of housing stock, increased people traffic etc etc. Totally contravenes policy RA5 blah blah blah. Went to the library and found policy RA5 and others that supported my application but not sure how to put the whole lot together!