PLANS to turn a family house in Winterbourne into a children’s home have been unanimously approved by councillors, despite objections from neighbours and the parish council.
South Gloucestershire Council’s development management committee granted permission for a change of use of the five-bedroom property in Dragon Road, Winterbourne, in March.
Three looked-after children will live there, along with two overnight staff.
Winterbourne Parish Council and 29 residents opposed the application by the council, with concerns about traffic, parking and the impact on the Grade II-listed Perry Almshouses next door, which accommodate older and vulnerable people.
The decision follows approval in February for two other conversions of five-bedroom houses to children’s homes, in Frampton Cotterell and Rangeworthy.
Winterbourne resident David Dewey told the meeting: “We understand the need for children’s care homes but we do not consider the application site to have the same character as the schemes you considered recently.”
He said noise from the children’s home would travel to the next-door almshouses.
Mr Dewey said: “Ofsted protects the children but we request that you protect the residents.”
Ward councillor Nic Labuschagne (Con, Winterbourne) said: “What’s really important for the children in a home like this is community ties, fitting into the community.
“While many of the residents fully understand that, and would be as welcoming to anyone as they usually are, we really need to look at what residents need and give them assurances in order for the young people to fit into this area.
“We don’t want to create a situation where there is some unhappiness around what’s happened.”
He said that during staff changeovers, someone would have to park in the road.
Home can ‘significantly reduce the emotional trauma’ of being placed in care
South Gloucestershire Council service director for quality assurance, strategic safeguarding and commissioning Catherine Boyce said: “By establishing local children’s homes we can ensure children remain close to their families and familiar surroundings.
“Staying close to family members can significantly reduce the emotional trauma often associated with being placed in care.
“By keeping children within the local area, the council can reduce costs associated with out-of-area placements.
“We do not envisage any increase in safety, security, noise or privacy issues for neighbours as the address will be home to only three children and the required members of staff.”
At a site visit by councillors, residents requested the installation of CCTV and a stronger, taller fence.
Cllr Katrina Al-Hassan (Lab, Emersons Green) said: “It’s not a secure children’s unit.
“I’m a bit disappointed by some of the comments.
“Both of my children are disabled and have additional needs.
“If my neighbours wanted CCTV and a higher fence, I would be pretty heartbroken.
“We need to remember that this is going to function the same as a family house.”
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service