Three applications for children's homes in Telford out for public scrutiny

Three applications for properties in different parts of Telford to be run as children's homes are being considered by planning officials.

In one of the cases an objector in Admaston has told Telford & Wrekin Council officials they have put their “devalued” home on the market because of the “hassle” caused.

The council was told the property in Admaston Spa was already being used as a children's home.

Officials urged the applicants to lodge a full planning application after they asked the council to certify its lawfulness. The application for the certificate has now been withdrawn.

Council officials told the agent: "It has been brought to the local planning authority's attention that the use has already been implemented."

Officials said the "best way to proceed is through the full planning application, which has already been submitted”.

One resident has lodged concerns on the council's planning portal writing of "as many as 10 cars at any one time" being parked.

"Change of shift for carers often means that cars are being moved late into the night and early in the mornings," the objector wrote, adding that their 'devalued' home is now on the market.

"Having lived here in harmony since 2003 I can no longer put up with the hassle," the objector wrote.

"Intimidation and lack of respect for our once delightful neighbourhood has forced me out of my home."

Agent Ibukun Makinde, on behalf of Prosper Supported Living Services Limited, has told planners there is "little material difference between the current and proposed use”.

The agent added:"Comings and goings would be not materially greater than occur at present, hence there would be no undue disturbance to any neighbours."

Applicants in all three cases are urging Telford & Wrekin Council officials to see the planned use as no different to their use as family homes - or in one case, former supported living accommodation.

Applicant Nick Sellman, of Coventry-based RCS Operations Limited, wants to use a five-bed detached house at Keepers Crescent, St George's, as a home for three children.

Planning agent Halifax-based Rose Consulting has applied for a lawful development certificate as the property was formerly supported living accommodation for five adults.

A lawful development certificate does not have to undergo the full planning assessments. The agent added that there is "little material difference between the current and proposed use, meaning that planning permission is not required”.

They added: "The home will aim to provide a smooth transition for three children with learning difficulties, supported by a manager and three carers, 24/7.

Another applicant, Bleep 360 Ltd of London, has applied to change a house in Caldera Road, Hadley, to a registered children's home for two children or young people aged seven to 17 years old with staff providing care 24/7.

The detached four-bed property would be a "small, carefully managed residential care home", the applicants say.

"The property will retain its domestic appearance, scale and residential character, and day-to-day activity levels will remain comparable to those associated with a family home," planners have been told.

Planning agents added that the proposal "will not give rise to patterns of activity that would be out of keeping with the residential context”.

They cited previous applications for children's homes that have been granted in similar circumstances by Telford & Wrekin Council.

"While planning precedent is not binding, recent decisions made by the same local planning authority, under the same policy framework, carry significant weight as material consideration," the agent added.

All three planning applications are currently being assessed during a period of public consultation. They can be viewed on the council’s online planning portal.