CHILDREN'S HOME PLAN NEAR CHILDCARE CENTRE REJECTED
Plans to convert a house into a children’s home have been turned down over concerns about its location.
Therapeutic Care Ltd wanted the property in the village of Endmoor, near Kendal, in Cumbria, to be home to two young people.
But members of Westmorland and Furness Council's planning committee rejected the plans claiming the house would be too close to residential properties and a childcare facility.
A decision notice issued by the council said the facility could "lead to adverse impacts on local amenity arising from noise, disturbance and anti-social behaviour".
The proposals received 34 objections, as well as two representations in support of the project, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
'Totally inappropriate'
Planning consultant Peter Winter, speaking on behalf of the objectors, said the residents he represented genuinely appreciated the importance of community-based care.
However, he said they were concerned about the first-floor bedroom window of the proposed children’s home overlooking the patio of the neighbouring childcare facility.
Mr Winter said: "I seriously question the wisdom of allowing a children’s home alongside such a childcare facility and I’m astonished that no formal consultation has appeared to have been carried out by the council’s social services department."
Louise Leech, who runs the neighbouring Cheeky Monkey’s childcare business, said she felt the location was "totally inappropriate".
She said: "As a professional working with children I understand all too well that children’s homes are needed and are a vital part in helping some of the most traumatised children in our society.
"However, the location next door to an already established childcare setting for under-fives is simply not suitable."
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2024-07-03T05:44:12Z dg43tfdfdgfd