Supporting Vulnerable Children: A Study of Local Authority Planning Decisions and Provision of Children's Homes in London (2024-25)
Received: 18 September 2025
I'm studying Social and Political Studies at Birbeck and am completing my dissertation:'Supporting Vulnerable Children: A Study of Local Authority Planning Decisions and Provision of Children's Homes in London (2024-25)'.This research explores how local authorities contribute to the sufficiency of children's homes through planning decisions (C2 and C3 to C2). The study examines approval patterns, reasons for refusal, and how planning policy can either enable or restrict the creation of appropriate provision. The aim is to identify examples of good practice and highlight boroughs that are leading the way in supporting vulnerable children through effective planning and policy.To support this research, I would be grateful if you could provide, for Barnet, the following information between 1 Aug 2024 and 30 Sept 2025:1.The number of planning permissions granted for developments described as 'children's home(s)' or change of use C3 to C2 (residential institution / children's home).2.The number of Certificates of Lawfulness (existing or proposed) granted for use as a children's home (C2) or for C3 to C2.3.The number of refusals and withdrawals for (1)-(2), with reason(s) for refusal (or decision notice if easier).4.The average decision time (validation → decision) for the items in (1)-(2).5.Any local policy, SPD, or internal guidance specific to children's homes (C2) or C3 to C2.6.The number of pre-application advice requests received for children's homes (C2 or C3 to C2), and any outcome notes/summaries (if held).7.The number of appeals lodged in relation to children's home applications (planning permissions or Certificates of Lawfulness), and their outcomes.8.Any enforcement actions or notices issued against properties operating as children's homes (C2) without permission.9.Any needs assessments, sufficiency reports, or market position statements held by the council that reference children's home provision.10.Whether the council is currently reviewing, or planning to review within the next 12 months, any policies, SPDs, or internal processes that could affect planning decisions relating to children's homes (C2 or C3 to C2).For items (1)-(3), please include application reference, site postcode, and decision date. A spreadsheet or simple table would be greatly appreciated.This information will be used solely for academic research.