Children's homes projects in the pipeline for Mansfield and Warsop
An expansion of one children’s home and the creation of another are in the pipeline, according to plans received by Mansfield District Council.
The expansion (without altering the building) is proposed for a large, detached, two-storey house on Eskdale Close in Mansfield, which is already operating as a home for two children “with emotional and behavioural difficulties”.
A planning application has been submitted to now allow up to four children, aged ten to 17, at the property, which would be staffed by carers on a 24-hour rota basis.
Meanwhile, the new children’s home is earmarked for a modern, three-bedroom house on a quiet residential cul-de-sac at The Wickets in Warsop.
This would be for one child “who cannot live with their family” and would be supervised by “appropriate care staff” round the clock.
The five-bedroom Eskdale Close house, which sits in a neighbourhood close to Berry Hill Lane, was granted full permission to be converted into a children’s home in June this year.
The application for an expansion has been lodged with the council by the London-based company, Rising Stars Children’s Homes Ltd, whose agent is John Asiamah, of Planners and Arkitects Ltd, of Guildford, Surrey.
A planning statement says the property meets the demand by Nottinghamshire County Council’s children’s services department for “high-quality homes”.
And it would “seek to replicate as closely as possible a normal family environment for children who, through no fault of their own, have not had good parenting in their early years”.
The statement goes on: “The children would live there as their main or sole residence, supported as a family-style household.
"They would cook, eat and take part in recreational and educational activities together. They would attend local schools, clubs and leisure activities, thereby integrating into the community.
"The home would be staffed on a 24-hour rota basis, with at least four carers, to meet the assessed needs of the children.
"Staff would typically work 12-hour shifts (8 am to 8 pm and vice-versa), ensuring continuous care and safeguarding. A manager would attend most weekdays.
"Staff are professionally trained, and the home would be regulated by Ofsted, ensuring high standards of behaviour and community engagement.
"The children would be supported to participate in positive community life, reducing stigma and ensuring the home is a good neighbour.
"Noise levels and comings and goings would not exceed what it typical of a family household. There would be no adverse impact on adjoining properties.”
The statement concludes: “The increase from two to four children is modest and proportionate to the size of the dwelling
"No external alterations are proposed. A generously-sized rear garden provides a safe outdoor space, and the existing parking provision for five cars would be retained.”
The Warsop application has been made by the experienced Peterborough-based company Guiding Light Residential Care Ltd.
A planning statement explains that the property would “operate as a nurturing, family-style environment, regulated by Ofsted”.
It would “replicate the characteristics of a typical family dwelling, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding residential area and minimal disruption to neighbours”.
It would be staffed by two carers during the day and two at night, with visits also by a registered manager and a social worker.
The statement concludes: “The home would integrate into the local community, maintain positive neighbour relations and operate quietly and respectfully”.
The council’s planning officers are currently considering the two schemes and have set a deadline date of early February for a decision or recommendation.
THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/