Home for children in care lined up for Berry Hill -- latest Mansfield planning applications

Mansfield District Council has received a planning application for a change of use at the detached, five-bedroom house at 150 Berry Hill Lane.

Up to four young people, aged six to 17, would live there, supervised round the clock by two or three adult members of staff, with management support on call too.

The scheme has been submitted by T-Junction Children’s Services Ltd, which is based in Leicestershire and is run by Tim Clare, 36, and Rob Clare, 35.

Founded in 2016, T-Junction is a small, independent company that says it prides itself on “providing outstanding accommodation, support and care for children who come into care through no fault of their own”.

A planning statement, sent to the council by the Clares, says: “The ultimate aim is to provide the children with a safe and homely environment.

"There is insufficient accommodation to meet the current numbers of children who come into care, both locally and nationally.

"Tim brings a wealth of experience, and T-Junction already operates four other residential children’s homes. I would hope there will be little or no resistance to this one.”

The Clares say the home would be regulated by the education watchdog, Ofsted. Staff would provide good care and support for the young people in the same way as parents or foster carers would.

Asked by the council for its comments, Nottinghamshire Police urges T-Junction to install safety and security measures, including external CCTV cameras, at the home.

In a statement, the force accepts that the Berry Hill Lane area has lower-than-average levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. But it adds: “The primary concern is vulnerable children leaving the home without agreement and then being deemed as missing, resulting in the police commencing an investigation to locate them.

"A management plan is required to mitigate these concerns and ensure there is a process in place with the local policing team to respond appropriately.”

The council’s planning officers are now considering the scheme and hope to come to a decision by early November. Berry Hill residents can post their comments on the council’s website here.

Other planning applications received by the council include these:

71 Shilling Road, Mansfield – change of use of domestic garage into nail salon.

20 Brougham Avenue, Mansfield – demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of single-storey rear extension.

The Clearing, 284 Eakring Road, Mansfield – work to two trees covered by preservation order.

Pelmarchil, New Mill Lane, Forest Town – two-storey side and front extension.

29 Alexandra Avenue, Mansfield – work to tree covered by preservation order.

3 Clipstone Avenue, Mansfield – work to nine trees covered by preservation order.

23 High Street, Warsop - retrospective permission for installation of replacement shop front with roller-shutter door, and new casement window on first floor.

43-45 Leeming Lane South, Mansfield Woodhouse – small advertisement display.

5 Heatherley Drive, Forest Town – first-floor side extension.

The Grange, 56 Priory Road, Mansfield Woodhouse – work to five trees in conservation area.

51 Ley Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse – single-storey rear extension and replacement roof (flat to pitched).

18 Brookside Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse – two-storey side extension.