Plans to transform Surrey family home into care leavers house approved
The news comes despite fears it will ruin a 'peaceful' street
Plans to transform a semi-detached house on a “beautiful little” Surrey road into a home for 16-24 year old care leavers have been given the green light.
The plans saw residents against the proposals claim they will “live in fear all the time” and their standard of living will fall if the young person’s home is approved.
But one councillor stressed those opposing the scheme were trying to “demonise” their new neighbours. Cllr Malcolm Beecher said using the house to support “children in need of care” was a “very worthwhile occupation”.
The three-bedroom home on Edwards Way in Ashford has been converted into a six-bed house through permitted development. Now, applicant Lansdowne Housing and Care hope to create a new home for young people who have left care.
Members of Spelthorne Borough Council planning committee approved the application by a majority on April 2. Officers advised councillors they need to “weigh the concerns of the residents against providing a safe and secure environment for people in need, like care leavers”.
Applicant Lansdowne Housing and Care still needs to get a license approved by Ofsted to run its new private care home. The care provider is aiming to support young people leaving care as they transition to adult services and need independent or stand-along accommodation to support them, planning document state.
“The provider will be looking after young people that might have a background as a care leaver or need providing independent/stand-alone accommodation and support,” planning documents state.
Residents wasted no time in criticising the scheme. Over 20 letters of objection were sent in, with 76 people signing a petition against the change of use.
People flagged they were concerned about the safety of their children, well-being of the community and potential disruption into their daily lives.
One home owner said: “As residents who have invested a large amount of wealth to simply live in a peaceful home as an average working class family we cannot afford to allow our streets to fall into the strong probabilities of continued anti-social behaviour and a poor standard of living.”
Some residents said they will “live in fear all the time” knowing that there are young people on the next street, where they used to live “happily and peacefully”. Neighbours said they feared the new arrivals would bring anti-social behaviour and disturbance on their quiet street.
“We all know the worst can happen in these situations but they are not planning reasons,” said Cllr Lawrence Nichols. He added there were “Lots of reasons for not liking it but I can’t find one to refuse it.”
Despite worries about potential noise coming from the care home, noise control officers did not flag any problems. No soundproofing measures have been outlined in the plans, but officers assured the committee that Environment Health teams can tackle noise issues if needed.
The young adults will be supervised by two members of staff per shift, on a rota basis 24 hours a day. The provider will be looking after young people that might have a background as a care leaver or need providing independent/stand-alone accommodation and support. CCTV will run 24/7 and be monitored by staff on duty, planning documents state.
Only two parking spaces have been put forward with the scheme, causing residents to raise the alarm about overspill as staff change shifts and visitors come to the house. But the Surrey Highways team made no objections to the plans.
Concerns were raised that the proposed young person’ care home was in the middle of nowhere and the “isolated” location could affect their mental health.
Cllr Paul Woodward said: “Unless you’ve got a car, you’re basically stranded.” But officers highlighted people can take multiple bus routes from Ashford Hospital, just a mere 20 minute walk away, so they can visit nearby towns and shopping centres.
“If we do it, we’d be doing our residents of our borough and the road a disservice because they clearly don’t want it,” said Cllr Darren Clarke. “But these children need to be loved and looked after. I just think it’s in the wrong place.”
Report: https://democracy.spelthorne.gov.uk/documents/s71069/Item%20B%20Report%2024%2001432%20FUL.pdf