We regularly assist The Cambian Group, by liaising with local planning authorities to confirm that premises can be used lawfully as specialist residential care homes. Ensuring that the use of a property complies with planning legislation is an important and often time-consuming element of the care home registration process.
By obtaining formal confirmation of lawful use, we are able to help Cambian create badly needed care places and provide services that meet and often exceed the stringent requirements of industry regulators.
Cambian’s clinically-led specialist care model has proved very successful, as their inspection reports testify. Referrals have increased and the Group has grown to become one of the UK’s largest specialist health service providers. It is essential for Cambian to provide care in an appropriate environment and the Group is expanding through carefully targeted acquisitions.
We have been supporting this expansion by submitting Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) applications to satisfy the requirements of regulators. Each home is registered either by Ofsted, or the Care Quality Commission and both organisations require formal confirmation that homes comply with planning legislation.
The LDC applications we submit are always supported by evidence that sets out Cambian’s aspirations for the properties and how they will operate similar to a typical family home. We seek confirmation they fall within the C3b use class, or in some cases, seek confirmation that they would not lead to a material change of use requiring planning permission. We work closely with officers at the relevant local council to ensure they have all the information required to consider the proposals.
We have successfully secured Lawful Development Certificates from various local planning authorities around the country – enabling The Cambian Group to expand their portfolio and meet the growing need for their specialist care services.
Summary of achievements
- Preparation and submission of Lawful Development Certificate applications
- Preparation of evidence to support our applications
- Liaison and consultation with the local authority
