Shropshire Star

Fear over bulls in bid to turn Shropshire farm into children's care home

Fears have been raised that a farmhouse near Market Drayton earmarked for transformation into a care home for children with learning disabilities could be too close to farm machinery and bulls.

Published

The eight-bed children's home would also have room for six staff to sleep on the site at Shavington Grange.

But the application, which will go before members of Shropshire Council's planning committee next week, has sparked a number of objections from local councillors and residents.

In a report for Tuesday's meeting which will be discussed at the meeting on Tuesday, case officer Alison Groom said those accommodated are likely to have mental health difficulties or be on the autistic spectrum.

She said: "Bryn Melyn Care will provide education on site for those unable to access mainstream or the company's own school and a member of the company's clinical team will be based at Shavington Grange to assist in planning individual care programmes and providing therapy as needed."

However, Ms Groom said the scheme had come under fire from Moreton Say Parish Council.

Ms Groom She said: "Councillors expressed serious concerns regarding the safeguarding of residents due to the nature of adjacent business with farm machinery, flammable materials and livestock – bulls – housed in close proximity to the house which currently has direct access through the yard."

"Councillors queried how the gardens could be adequately secured to safeguard against slurry lagoon and bulls being grazed as no plans have been submitted.

"Concern was also raised regarding the direct access onto a dangerous 60 mph road with no footpath provision."

Meanwhile, another 14 letters of objection were submitted with some worried about the impact it may have on nearby homes and traffic flow.

Some also raised concerns over the potential for anti-social behaviour and lack of security on site to keep the young people safe. Ms Groom said: "Many concerns raised are valid concerns that will be covered by the business as part of their legal duties.""Should concerns be raised in future the appropriate enforcement body can be contacted and appropriate consideration and action will be taken.

"The planning related concerns have been fully considered and it is felt that there will be provisions in place to overcome these concerns, which will in fact result in a more secure and well run site for residential purposes.

"Although concerns have been raised that there has been anti-social behaviour and crime from care homes in other locations, it would be inappropriate for officers to object to this application based on the management and operation of previous care homes.

"The proposed care home will deal with children and young people who have attachment problems and need specialist support to encourage them to engage and learn much-needed social skills and will not have a criminal background or have a tendency to antisocial behaviour."The plans have been recommended for approval and will be discussed by councillors at the meeting on Tuesday, at Shirehall from 2pm.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.