An East Durham neighbourhood is rallying against the proposal to set up a new children’s home in Old Shotton, Peterlee. The plans have encountered strong resistance from both locals and political figures.
Atlas Children’s Homes has submitted an application to transform a two-storey house at Shadforth Close into a home for three young individuals aged six to 17 suffering from emotional and behavioural issues.
A petition with 84 signatures and 54 letters of objection has been lodged with the council. Moreover, the council’s planning officers have advised against the development, which faces scrutiny by Durham County Council’s planning committee on the upcoming Tuesday (February 11).
Local residents argue that the establishment of the children’s home could disrupt the area’s harmony, particularly due to the high number of elderly individuals in proximity. There are also concerns about the close location to a pub, creating potential safeguarding risks.
County Councillor for Peterlee West, Susan McDonnell, has raised issues regarding the lack of experience from the applicant, fearing it might lead to increased anti-social behaviour. She cautions: “I believe the driving force behind this development is purely money.”
McDonnell further states: “I firmly believe Durham County Council can play their part in this and say NO to this development and at the same time, lobby central government to intervene and stop this sort of blatant exploitation of the public purse. This is just one example of it and I’m sorry to say, there are many more!”
Easington MP Grahame Morris has voiced his opposition to the proposed plans, stating: “The lack of consultation, engagement, and understanding of our community by Atlas Children’s Homes Ltd demonstrates a failure to comply with the County Durham Plan,” and “The property is located in close proximity to two pubs, which is not conducive to the health and welfare of children who are likely to have vulnerabilities and needs above the general population.”
He also expressed concern that “Considering the manner in which it has failed to engage any public bodies or the community, this application is speculative and motivated by profit.”
Morris further warned, “If approved, I fear this development would have no benefit for the local community or help to ease any pressure on already overstretched children’s services in County Durham.”
Atlas Children’s Homes responded by saying it would ensure the facility is registered with Ofsted, which “will provide transparency and accountability in terms of quality standards, which directly addresses the planning authority’s concerns about the applicant’s experience and readiness”.
A planning statement from the company claimed: “The proposed change of use to children’s home aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals requiring care. We believe this property will provide a valuable service, enhancing the quality of life for its service users.”
However, Durham County Council’s planning department remains sceptical about the safety of the proposed children’s home for children and young people.
A planning report has made it clear: “The Local Planning Authority considers that the proposed children’s home would be located within an area unsuitable to accommodate the proposed use as it would fail to offer a positive and safe environment for looked after children, due to the unacceptable risk of exposing future occupants to crime.”
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/residents-mps-oppose-new-childrens-30969040
