Back to the future plan for Derbyshire village property at centre of controversy

David Fungai Dozwa was granted change of use consent for 2 Castle View, Palterton by Bolsover District Council. Seven months ago Mr Dozwa was successful in his application to the council for change of use permission to enable the house to become a children’s home

An officer’s report to the authority said: “The property was constructed and occupied as a dwelling until the recent approval of the change of use to a care home for children. It is unclear whether the use as a care home has actually been implemented but for the avoidance of doubt and to avoid the care home use being implemented at a later date, the applicant has submitted the current application to change the property back to a single dwelling.”

Mr Dozwa of Global Com Enterprise Ltd trading as GCOM Healthcare was granted permission in February 2024 to use the property as a care home for a maximum of three children with emotional and behavioural needs. The decision was made by the district council’s planning committee after a petition containing more than 50 signatures and numerous letters opposing the application were submitted to the authority. Mark Fletcher, who was MP for Bolsover at the time, wrote: “I have received a large amount of correspondence opposing these plans, reflecting a significant percentage of residents of this small village.”

Objections included the potential for increased noise and anti-social behaviour and a lack of on-site parking for private vehicles in a small village with an infrequent bus service.