A new residential home providing ‘vital’ accommodation for children in care could soon open in Sandown, if planning permission is granted.
Next Wave Care Group (NWCG) has submitted a change of use application to County Hall to convert an existing house at 9 Carter Street into specialist children’s accommodation in the Bay Area.
The ‘fully insured, multi-disciplinary’ provider already delivers supported accommodation and children’s residential care across the Isle of Wight, offering what it describes as warm, safe and therapeutic environments to help young people flourish into adulthood.
In its Statement of Purpose, the care group says its services support a diverse range of young people – including looked-after children, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, care leavers, and those with complex needs or learning disabilities.
If approved, the Sandown property would provide 4 bedrooms, 3 with en-suites, alongside a main bathroom, sensory room, lounge, dining room, kitchen and a carers’ room. A planning statement says the external and internal appearance of the property would remain unchanged to help maintain a homely, non-institutional feel.
The proposal, which has backing from the Isle of Wight Council’s children’s social care department, is currently open for public comment. Consultation on application 25/01000/FUL closes on 15th August, with a decision expected by 8th September.
Back in the 1980s we had a superb “childrens’ home” in Brading housing about 25 children, run by the most amazing people.
Guess what, it got closed due to fundage by our beautiful council. I’m oozing sarcasm by the way.
Now its revolutioary we are getting another one 30+ years on and probably quadruple the expense of the original.
Positively, at least youngsters will get the support they need.