A council and an autistic charity have joined forces as part of a children’s home proposal seeking change of use planning permission in Normanby.
A letter sent to residents in Esher Avenue on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland Council and the North-East Autism Society described how the detached property in question would become home to one child with a learning disability.
Meanwhile, there were no significant alterations planned to the building beyond internal improvement works and an extension to a driveway to provide space for a third car.
A supporting statement submitted with the application explained: “The proposed home will provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for one child who is unable to live with their parents.
“The provision is for a child with a learning disability who requires specialist care.
“The intention is to offer care within a family-style setting, enabling the child to experience a sense of normality, routine, and belonging within their local community.
“Unfortunately, due to a lack of provision within Redcar and Cleveland, children with such needs often live out of the area.
“Developing the home at Esher Avenue will enable a child from Redcar and Cleveland to live within the borough closer to their family and wider network.”
It said as a result of a competitive tendering process, the council had established a partnership with the charity who would employ the staff required and be responsible for the venture’s day to day running.
The statement added: “The staffing arrangements will be determined by the needs of the child to be living in the home, this will be agreed nearer to the time of opening.
“The child will require either two or three members of staff to support them.”
The proposal was not expected to result in increased on-street parking or congestion, beyond that of a normal family household, while noise and activity levels were expected to be similar to those of any other family home.
Further information supplied by the charity’s chief operating officer Derek Groves said it currently supported more than a hundred residents in local communities in the North-East.
Mr Groves said: “Although the council do operate some homes for children, they do not operate any homes for children with learning disabilities.
“The partnership with NEAS has been established to provide specialist care for children with special support needs.”
He said the home would operate as a “domestic family environment rather than an institution”.
Staff would provide “consistent supervision, care and support to ensure the child’s welfare is protected and that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are maintained at all times”.
Two comments have been made by residents reacting to the application which is subject to a consultation ending shortly.
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An anonymous submission said to be from someone living on the street said they were supportive of the plans.
But another from a person living in an adjoining property said they strongly objected and the proposal would “fundamentally alter the day-to-day environment” and was not comparable to an ordinary family home.
They expressed concern about potential noise and disturbance, the ability to enjoy their garden, privacy and security, and an increase in vehicle movements, as well as the impact on the saleability of their own property.