Two-into-one hospice plan to give extra children’s care
AN ‘EXCELLENT’ scheme that will see two semis converted into a care home for children with life limiting conditions has been given the go-ahead.
Francis House Children’s Hospice’s plans for the houses in Barcicroft Road, Stockport, were approved by councillors on Monday night (June 21).
The new six-bedroom facility in Heation Moor will provide accommodation and respite care for disabled youngsters.
It will include a lift to allow disabled access to all floors, side and rear extensions and an emergency generator.
Speaking on behalf of Francis House, Mr Eastwood said the charity had always wanted a ‘domestic feel’ for the home.
He added: “It does run along a very similar theme to a scheme that was done in Didsbury seven or eight years ago, which again was semi-detached houses that were altered and adapted to suit the children.
“It’s worked absolutely brilliantly and that’s why the client [Francis House] is hoping to replicate it at Barcicroft Road.”
Residents had raised some concerns had about the emergency generator to be installed at the rear of the property.
One objector claimed it would interfere with his car’s ‘locking mechanisms,’ potentially leaving his vehicle ‘more vulnerable to theft.’
However Mr Eastwood explained the generator was for emergency use only.
He said: “It’s an emergency generator that would only come into play if there was a major power-cut, because the children are on life support medical equipment.
“So if there was a power cut the generator would kick in and operate until the general power came in.”
He also confirmed no pile driving would be carried out after Coun David Sedgwick raised concerns similar work had caused damage to nearby properties at another development.
Coun John Taylor said that all three of the Heatons North ward councillors were ‘very pleased’ with the scheme.
And he was happy that the application had been presented and approved in public.
“Obviously you are dealing with young people who have much life-compromised circumstances and they are very welcome in our ward,” said Coun Taylor.
“And now we can say this to the world, whereas if we had just nodded it through we wouldn’t be able to.
“Thanks for bringing us such an excellent scheme.”
Objections raised over a suggested ‘detrimental impact on house prices’ were not debated on the grounds it was not a material planning consideration.
Concerns the home would ‘attract undesirables’ were also dismissed in the planning officer’s report.
Based in Didsbury, Manchester, Francis House is a lifeline to more than 500 families from across Greater Manchester.
The charity supports approximately 2,000 people at any one time with respite care, homecare, sibling support, end of life care and emotional and bereavement support.