130 object to two planned Mansfield homes for the 'most challenging and complex children'

Care provider Esland Care has applied to the authority to convert the two premises – one on Faraday Road and the other in Berry Hill Lane – into homes for one child or young person apiece.

Two members of staff will also be on site at all times on a 48-hour rotation cycle, reports to the council’s planning committee states.

“The home will cater for the sector’s most complex and challenging children and young people,” the reports state.

“Each child is fully assessed for their suitability to be placed into a home, as each home provides individual care for different types and ages of children to ensure that they are placed within the correct environment.

“Most of the children cared for at the home will have experienced some kind of neglect, or physical, sexual or emotional abuse, thus necessitating the need for them to live away from their families and be kept safe from harm.

“The home will use a high control behaviour management model which is underpinned by an authoritative parenting model to ensure the young people have the best support and best outcomes possible to them.”

The Berry Hill Lane property is described as a ‘large detached property’ opposite Berry Hill Park, while the Faraday Road address is described as a ‘detached dormer bungalow’.

A total of 92 letters of objection have been sent to council planners in relation to the Faraday Road home, and a further 39 objecting to the Berry Hill Lane address.

Reasons stated for the objections include increasing crime, drugs use, potential involvement in gang crime, county lines crime and harm to local children.

Other reasons cited include causing anxiety to elderly residents, increased traffic and parking problems – and the welfare of the children and young people staying in the homes.

Nottinghamshire Police has not raised any objections to either home and both applications will be considered by the council on Tuesday, May 4.

Both are recommended for approval with conditions.

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