A FAMILY home in Frampton Cotterell can be turned into a children’s home, despite neighbours’ objections.
Three children and two overnight carers will live at the five-bedroom property in Church Road (pictured above).
Another home with identical provision at Oakfield House in Wotton Road, Rangeworthy, was also approved.
Residents objected, raising concerns about parking and traffic, noise, disruption and the potential for crime.
But the council’s development management committee unanimously agreed with planning officers to give the green light in February.
‘Many inadequacies’ in planning application
Church Road resident Derek Frary told the committee the application was “sadly lacking”, raising concerns over cost, road safety, and an “amateurish” survey which had failed to highlight issues with worm damage, rot, damp and asbestos in the house.
He said the council’s own sustainable transport team and the police “designing-out-crime” officer had both concluded that the application is not acceptable.
Mr Frary said: “There are multiple comments…which illustrate many inadequacies with this application, such as the lack of information concerning the safeguarding of children and the consideration of the crime prevention and community safety implications.”
Frampton Cotterell parish councillor Alan Lankester said: “We are in favour of this application but it is undeniable that there are going to be traffic and parking implications.”
Ward councillor Jon Lean (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) said he was pleased at the selection of both homes.
He said there was ample on-street parking, so the application should be approved.
Cllr Lean said both homes would not create any more additional cars than a traditional large family house.
Home will ensure local children remain in ‘familiar surroundings’
The council’s service director for quality assurance, strategic safeguarding and commissioning, Catherine Boyce, said the two properties would each house three local children who were unable to live with their own families, as part of a “compassionate initiative” between the council and the Department for Education.
She 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.
“Children are more likely to have existing friendships and local networks in their communities.
“This continuity can be crucial for their emotional and social development.
“By keeping children within the local area, the council can reduce costs associated with out-of-area placements.
“The trauma associated with being removed from familiar surroundings can lead to increased anxiety and behavioural issues.
“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.
“There will not be a significant increase in cars compared to the homes being purchased by an individual family.”
Councillors were told three off-street parking spaces would be retained at each house and there had been no serious accidents on either road in the last 10 years.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service