A new children’s home responding to a ‘critical need’ for local care facilities will open in Newport.
County Hall has approved Next Wave Care Group’s (NWCG) proposal to convert a 3-bedroom house on School Lane, Barton.
A supporting email from Isle of Wight Council officer Simon Dennis said the Island ‘faces a significant shortage of children’s homes, resulting in many children being placed in care facilities on the mainland’. The decision follows the granting of consent for another NWCG care home in Sandown.
A Planning Statement from NWCG’s agent, Andrew White Planning Consultancy, says:
“The proposed accommodation would comprise 3 bedrooms (accommodating a total of three children) one of which would be en-suite.
“There would be a main bathroom, staff room, second lounge/sensory room, kitchen/diner and a lounge. The important point to note is that the exterior and interior of the property will not change as it is important to maintain the characteristics of being a single-family home and not to feel institutionalised.”
Barton resident Aden Garrett previously said the proposal “sounds like a lovely idea” but expressed concern over a nearby homeless shelter.
He said:
“Nothing but anti-social behaviour from them and wouldn’t want any of them to upset the children or cause distress.”
Planners’ decision report on application 25/01001/FUL recognised a clear ‘identified need’ for children’s care home provision on the Isle of Wight and said the location and building were ‘suited to the proposed use’.
Why do we have so many duff parents who can’t look after their own children, probably more occupied with drugs, phones & gaming.