This policy concerns the development of new build residential and nursing homes and the conversion and extension or change of use of mainstream dwellings or other properties to Class 8 (Residential Institution) use and should be read in conjunction with policy RES 7: Change of Use of Dwellings. Residential and nursing homes are non-mainstream residential uses (see Definition).

Rationalisation of hospitals and the care of the elderly and other groups has resulted in an expansion in the number of residential and nursing homes and small group-supported accommodation in the community (i.e. people with mental illness, physical handicaps and learning disabilities). These facilities are normally found in residential areas where the needs of existing residents and those in care have to be balanced against one another. Concentrations of such uses can lead to the change in the character of an area.

This policy sets out the standards which the Council will require to be met when considering applications for residential and nursing homes.

Nursing or residential homes require planning permission if they are new build or are converting from a use not already within Class 8 (Residential Institutions) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997. They also require to be registered with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (SCRC).

Proposals for residential and nursing homes will be considered on their merits and will be assessed against the locational and design criteria set out below.

1. NEW BUILD

For many residents of nursing homes, this will be their only home and, as such, proposals will be assessed to ensure that full residential amenity is provided, both for residents of the home and for neighbours.

Locational Criteria

(i) Development Policy Principles

Homes should be sited in areas designated Residential and should, in general, avoid proximity to areas designated Industry and Business.

(ii) Bad Neighbours

Sites near or adjacent to bad neighbours, such as noisy or dirty industries or other non-compatible commercial uses, are unlikely to be successful, as they would provide an unsatisfactory environment for residents.

 

(iii) Proximity to Services

Sites should be accessible by public transport to allow easy access by visitors to the home. Ideally they should also be close to local facilities such as shops, libraries, and parks, to allow residents access to the wider community.

Design Criteria

Normal standards for residential developments apply. These include the following:

(i) Building Design

 

Proposals should respect the scale, massing and materials of adjacent buildings in the street. See design policies:

 

DES 1: Reinforcing Local Character and Identity;

DES 2: Urban Design; and

DES 3: Building Design and Materials.

 

(ii) Barrier Free Access

 

Barrier free access should be provided to all parts of the building (see policy DES 9: Barrier Free Access and refer to the Building Control Regulations).

(iii) Privacy

 

Homes should meet the minimum standards for new residential development set out in policy RES 2: Residential Site Layouts.

(iv) Daylighting

Homes should meet residential standards of daylighting in all habitable rooms. Roof lights, as the sole provision of daylight to habitable rooms, will not be acceptable.

 

(v) Parking and Servicing

Residential and nursing homes will be expected to meet the appropriate car parking guidelines (see policy TRANS 4: Table 1(5)). A servicing and turning area for larger vehicles such as ambulances should also be provided.

 

(vi) Amenity Space

A minimum of 50% of the total site area should be provided as landscaped amenity space (see Definition), and should include a spacious garden for sitting-out. This garden should be sheltered from the wind, screened from public view and should receive sunlight for a significant portion of the day. It should comprise a mixture of soft landscaping and seating and be accessible to the disabled.

2. CONVERSIONS/CHANGES OF USE

Conversions of existing buildings should meet all the above criteria, where relevant, as well as the following:

(i) Homes should not be located in semi-detached, terraced or flatted properties;

 

(ii) The erection of external stairs, as part of conversion works, will not be acceptable;

(iii) 50% of the total site area should be retained for landscaped amenity space and this should include a garden as described above. Selective demolition may be necessary to provide the required amenity space, but this solution may prove unacceptable on design grounds.

For works affecting listed buildings and properties in conservation areas, see policies:

HER 1: Conservation Areas;

HER 2: Listed Buildings (Buildings of Architectural and Historic Importance); and

HER 3: Design Standards for Listed Buildings and Properties in Conservation Areas.

3. EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING HOMES

All the above criteria will apply, where relevant. Extensions will not be acceptable if this would result in landscaped amenity space falling below 50% of the total site area.

4. LOCAL AREA POLICIES

i) The change of use of mainstream dwellings will be strongly resisted in the following Conservation Areas:

Crosshill, Dennistoun, Dumbreck, Glasgow West, Millbrae, Park, St Vincent Crescent, Strathbungo, and West Pollokshields.

 

ii) Within the Newlands Conservation Area:

(a) Class 8 institutional uses will not be permitted in properties that have an elevation or frontage onto Langside Drive; and

(b) The total number of Class 8 and 10 institutional uses in converted dwellings will be limited to a maximum of 15 units.

HABITABLE ROOMS

All rooms designed for living, eating and sleeping.

LANDSCAPED AMENITY SPACE

All external garden space, excluding the driveway, car park and servicing area.

NON-MAINSTREAM RESIDENTIAL USES

Any use, other than a mainstream dwelling, including multiple occupancies, institutions and offices, that is made of a property whose original purpose was as a dwelling unit for families or individuals.