Leicestershire children's home refused due to 'fear of crime'
The Council also said there was no need for a children's home in the area
A ‘fear of crime and anti-social behaviour’ has driven the decision not to approve a Leicestershire children’s home. Applicant Goyal put the plans forward for the home in Launde Road, Oadby.
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Head of Built Environment, Adrian Thorpe, made the decision to refuse the home, saying the fear of crime or anti-social behaviour would “undermine community safety and cohesion”, and noise and disturbance “is likely to be harmful” in the surrounding area.
The decision note also said the application did not adequately demonstrate that the change to a children’s home was required in the area. The council added the “incremental loss” of the home would “undermine the council’s strategy for increasing the supply of housing.”
The applicant’s plans for the home are for a maximum of two children between the ages of six to 17 years, for vulnerable children either with learning difficulties, or at risk of harm. The home would provide social work activities to the community and support the children, documents add.
The application said it aims to provide “homely and comfortable” accommodation that did not appear “institutionalised”.
The young people would undertake in-depth assessments to ensure compatibility to reduce behaviours, plans add.
In terms of staff, the application notes the number would vary depending on the service needs, but in general terms there would be up to three trained support staff members providing 24-hour supervision and care of the children.
The hours of work would be on a standard shift pattern from 10am to 10am over the 24 hour period, including a maximum of two staff sleeping overnight, and some staff doing day time/night time shifts only, plans add. The home manager would work 9am to 5pm weekdays.
Proposals for the detached house include a kitchen/diner, two offices, a lounge and utility room and a garage on the ground floor. The first floor includes two children’s bedrooms,, two staff bedrooms with ensuite, a bathroom and games room.
The application states risk assessments would be carried out in the locality and home and with individual children, as well as activity risk assessments and policies to mitigate any existing community dngers.
Documents note the property has off-street parking for three cars on the front drive and on street parking is also available. There is also room to store staff cycles, plans add.
The decision notice, dated Monday, December 22, notes if the applicant wishes to appeal the decision, they can do so within 6 months of the date of the notice to the Secretary of State.