Plan to convert terraced house in Sutton into home for vulnerable children

The proposal is earmarked for 2, Forest Road, which is a three-storey, end-terrace property within a traditional residential area of the town.

Ashfield District Council has received an application for a change of use to a small, family-style home for up to two children, under the age of 18, who would be cared for round the clock by professional staff on a rota basis.

The home would be managed by an established operator. No external changes would be made to the building, and its rear garden would be retained.

The applicant is named as Keanu Billones, who is a London-based property expert and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Mr Billones has submitted a detailed planning statement, which says: “There is a well-documented and ongoing need for high-quality, community-based accommodation for vulnerable children and young people, allowing them to live in ordinary residential areas close to schools, services and support networks.

"This proposal would deliver clear social benefits by providing a small, regulated home without material harm to the character of Forest Road or highway safety.

"The site has excellent access to schools, services, public transport and community facilities. The proposed use is small and stable, not a hostel or emergency provision.

"Day-to-day activity, including noise levels, garden use and comings and goings, is expected to be comparable to a typical family household, supported by a clear management approach, visit controls and staff supervision.”

Mr Billones stresses that the children would live at the home “on a long-term basis, within a setting that is intentionally domestic”, rather than “an institutional facility”. There would be no adverse impact on neighbours.

His statement goes on: “The children would live at the property as their main, settled home. Each would attend a local school or college and have their own bedroom.

"The home would be intentionally restricted to a maximum of two children to ensure that each receives the highest possible level of individual care, support and attention, and that the staff can build strong, stable relationships in a calm, family-style environment”.

The interior of the home would comprise an entrance hallway, shared living room, kitchen and office room on the ground floor, two children’s bedrooms, a staff sleep-in room, bathroom and shower on the first floor, and another staff sleep-in room on the second floor.

"Care and support would be provided by a small, consistent team of trained staff, employed by the operator,” the statement goes on.

“Two staff would provide 24-hour care on a rota basis to ensure continuous cover. In addition, the home manager may attend during the day.”

Outside, one parking space would be provided, but there was on-street parking available nearby.

The council’s planning officers are currently considering the scheme and have set a deadline date of Monday, March 9 for a decision or recommendation.

Other planning applications received by Ashfield Council include these:

Unit 3, Summit Close, Kirkby – three stacked storage containers forming an archway for the purpose of an entrance.

The Firs, Buttery Lane, Teversal – work to trees within conservation area.

44 Thoresby Dale, Hucknall – two-storey side extension and single-storey rear extension, with demolition of existing garage.

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/