‘WE HOPE YOU GO
Councillors praise plans to convert House into a care home for children
PLANS to turn a Stoke-on-trent house into a care home have been unanimously passed.
In recent months similar proposals to turn houses in residential streets into children’s homes have met with objections from residents fearing noise, traffic problems and anti-social behaviour.
But there were no objections submitted in response to the plans for the change of use of a three-bedroom house in High Lane, Burslem.
And members of Stoke-ontrent City Council’s planning committee welcomed the open manner in which the application had been dealt with when they considered it on Wednesday.
The home will be used to accommodate one child at a time aged between eight and 18 years old, a report to the committee said.
It added: “The dwelling would be used to provide care and emotional and behavioural support to children under care orders.
“There would be a total of six members of staff, two of which would work on a 24-hour shift to include overnight stays and there would be an additional manager who would work Monday-friday 9am-5pm. Each shift would be longer than a typical working day as is often the nature of care work.
“The care home would be registered with Ofsted.
“There is a current need for residential care homes, which offer care for children, in Stokeon-trent.
“A recent meeting held with Children’s Services advised officers that there are around 1,000 children in Stoke-on-trent who require residential care.”
Ian Scragg, who spoke in support of the application put forward by Excel Group Limited, said: “When care homes are
sited in residential areas there is often a good relationship with neighbours. We have an open door policy.
“We aim to provide a stable and nurturing environment. The outcomes for children in care are often not good but with our experience we think we can give young people the best chance in life.”
The application was referred to the planning committee for consideration because ‘developments of this type have, in recent times, given rise to significant public interest’, the committee report said.
Councillor Andy Platt said: “I think it is important we are seen to be open about these things and it seems the applicant is supportive of that attitude.
“I have had similar proposals in my ward where that hasn’t happened and that’s the worst thing. “Everyone is aware the need is obvious, however it doesn’t stop beyond that – it’s being open about what’s going on and having that contact so people know.
“It’s interesting this has come before us when there are no objections and I think that is quite powerful.”
Committee chair Ross Irving, left, said: “In a tight-knit community like this it is important to get the neighbours at least understanding what is being proposed and I think that has happened. Quite often what happens is the rumour mill starts and all sorts of stories go around. I think this is a case that has worked effectively. We wish you all the success and hope you will go from strength to strength.”