Children's Home Planning Permission

Securing planning permission for a children’s home can be complex and highly sensitive. At Cedar Planning, we provide specialist planning advice for children’s homes, helping operators, investors, charities and care providers navigate the planning system with confidence.

Our advice is led by Chartered Town Planners and focuses on achieving lawful, policy-compliant and deliverable outcomes, while recognising the importance of providing high-quality care in appropriate residential settings.

Specialist Planning Consultants for Children’s Homes

Do Children's Homes Need Planning Permission?

Whether planning permission is required for a children’s home depends on the specific circumstances of the property and proposed use.

In some cases, an existing family dwelling can be used as a children’s home without planning permission. In others, planning permission will be required. The key question is whether the proposal results in a material change of use.

This assessment typically considers factors such as:

• The number of children living at the property

• Staffing arrangements

• Day-to-day operation and intensity of use

• Impact on neighbouring residential amenity

• Whether the use remains similar in character to a family home

There is no “one size fits all” answer — careful planning analysis is essential.

Where planning permission is not required, we often recommend applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness.

A Certificate of Lawfulness provides formal confirmation from the Council that using the property as a children’s home does not constitute development requiring planning permission.

Key benefits include:

• Legal certainty for operators and investors

• Reduced risk of future enforcement action

• A decision based on fact and law, not planning policy

At Cedar Planning, our consultants are well-versed in the relevant planning legislation and case law needed to present a robust Certificate of Lawfulness application.

For specific Certificate of Lawfulness Planning Advice view our dedicated blog post here.

Certificates of Lawfulness for Children's Homes

Planning Applications for Children’s Homes

Where a material change of use has occurred or is proposed, a full planning application will be required.

In these cases, applications are assessed against local and national planning policy, including considerations such as:

• Residential character and amenity

• Highway safety and parking

• Noise, activity levels and supervision

• Equality, care provision and community integration

We support children’s home applications by preparing clear, evidence-based planning statements, coordinating drawings where required, and guiding proposals through the planning process. View our Planning Applications Consultancy Services.

How Cedar Planning Supports Children's Home Proposals

Our service is structured, transparent and commercially aware.

Initial Free Appraisal

We begin with an honest, no-obligation review of your proposal to confirm whether planning permission is required and assess likely prospects of success.

Strategy Advice

We advise on the most appropriate route, whether that is:

• A Certificate of Lawfulness

• A full planning application

• An alternative planning strategy

Supporting Statements & Submissions

We prepare well-researched planning statements and manage submissions to the Local Planning Authority where required.

Ongoing Advice

We remain available to advise throughout the process and on any follow-up matters.

Why Choose Cedar Planning?

✔ Specialist experience in children’s home planning matters
✔ Advice led by Chartered Town Planners
✔ Honest, upfront advice on planning risk
✔ Fixed-fee, no-obligation quotes
✔ Fast turnaround (subject to availability)
✔ Clear communication throughout

If we believe a proposal has limited prospects of success, we will tell you — clearly and professionally.

Related Planning Services

You may also find the following services helpful:

• Planning Consultancy Services – Broader planning advice and application support.

• Planning Appeals – If permission has been refused.

• Certificates of Lawfulness – For confirming lawful use.

Get a Free No-Obligation Quote

Fill out the form below to receive a no obligation quote for children's homes planning advice.

Or alternatively, send us an email at info@cedarplanning.co.uk with the relevant information.