An application has been submitted to Trafford Council seeking approval to convert a detached family home in Hale Barns into a small residential care home for vulnerable children.
The property, at 51 Gorse Bank Road, would house up to two young people aged 11-17, supported by two full-time carers working on a rota basis, with one member of staff sleeping overnight.
Bright Places, the Manchester-based care provider behind the application, is seeking a Lawful Development Certificate rather than full planning permission. The company argues that the proposed use would not represent a "material change" from the property's current status as a family dwelling, meaning formal planning consent should not be required.
According to the planning statement prepared by Archirama Ltd on behalf of the applicant, the three-bedroom detached house would provide "a stable home environment" for residents, with daily activities mirroring those of a traditional family home.
"The nature of the use is to create as closely as possible an environment similar to a family home, where they can learn the skills necessary for when they leave the home and start an independent life," the statement reads.
The application states there is "an urgent need" for this type of small-scale care provision for young people who have lacked good parenting through no fault of their own.
No external alterations are proposed to the property. Internal changes would be limited to converting the garage into an office with a shower room - work the applicant says can be carried out under permitted development rights - and adding locks to bedroom doors for privacy.
During the day, the young residents would be expected to attend mainstream school, college, apprenticeships or work-based placements. Carers would provide domestic support including cleaning and preparing meals, with facilities shared communally.
The applicant contends that vehicle movements generated by staff shift changes and school runs would be comparable to those of a typical family household and would not result in any intensification of use.
As part of Ofsted registration requirements, the applicant needs confirmation that the property complies with planning legislation before the care home can become operational.
Trafford Council will now consider whether the proposed change from residential dwelling (Use Class C3a) to residential institution (Use Class C2) constitutes a material change of use requiring planning permission.
In October 2025, plans were approved to convert the former Altrincham Police Station offices into a children's care home.
