Trouble fears allayed over planned children's care home in Ashfield

A planning application has been submitted to Ashfield District Council to convert a substantial three-storey, five-bedroom property at 108, Peartree Lane into a home for two youngsters, aged eight to 18.

Known as Ash House, the property was built only recently as part of a development of seven new homes.

And according to planning papers, it stands in "a quiet, beautiful, countryside location, surrounded by established trees and woodlands, open fields and country walks".

As such, the plan might be expected to attract opposition. But a supporting statement, prepared by planning consultancy, Verve Architecture, of Newark, stresses that neighbours and other Teversal residents have nothing to worry about.

"There is a considerable misconception that children's care homes are disruptive and can give rise to certain behaviours and noise disturbances," Verve's statement says.

"However, it is part of the applicant's ethos that 108 Peartree Lane would provide a nurturing and supportive environment, and operate very much as a typical domestic family home.

"Given its modest scale, its activities would not give rise to an increase in noise levels or general disturbance that would be considered harmful to neighbours."

What's more, no physical or structural extensions or alterations were proposed at the home.

Therefore, it "would not have a detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area" and there would be "no harm to neighbours through overbearing impacts or loss of light or privacy", the statement continues.

Instead, the home would provide "a high-quality living environment" that would "replicate a family home", with two young people and two adult carers there at all times.

A team of six full-time staff would be employed, working round the clock on shifts and looking after youngsters who would live at the home "on a medium to long term basis".

There were four car-parking spaces, with two on the gravel driveway and two in a garage, so the home was "very unlikely" to have a damaging impact on traffic congestion or highway safety.

Also, the property was close to community facilities, including a playing field, village hall and football, cricket and bowls clubs.

The application has been lodged by Wayne Brankin, the 53-year-old director of Newark-based business, Positive Independence Ltd, which provides care and support for young people aged eight to 18.

Its services include residential homes and supported accommodation, and it says its main aim is to "support young people to gain the skills and knowledge required for an independent life".

The company prides itself on giving the youngsters as much freedom and independence as possible.

The council's planning officers are currently considering the proposal and have set a deadline date of Sunday, December 6 to make 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/