Applicant 'must go through planning process' to open children's home in Layton

A children's home proposal in Layton must go through the planning process, Blackpool Council ruled.
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Applicant Kate Anderson, of Marsh Road, Thornton, argued that a certification of lawfulness for the bungalow on the corner of Broughton Avenue and Kingscote Drive ought to be enough because the home's daily routine would echo that of a usual family home.

But the authority decided: "The proposal constitutes a material change of use and is therefore development for which planning permission is required."

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If plans are filed and later passed, the bungalow, described in documents as "modest", would be used as a "small" home for a child aged eight to 17 and manned by two workers at a time.

The bungalow could be turned into a children's home, but only if plans are approved (Picture: Kelvin Stuttard for JPIMedia)The bungalow could be turned into a children's home, but only if plans are approved (Picture: Kelvin Stuttard for JPIMedia)
The bungalow could be turned into a children's home, but only if plans are approved (Picture: Kelvin Stuttard for JPIMedia)

The youngster would attend school during the week and do their homework and play sport at the weekend, documents filed on behalf of Ms Anderson said, adding: "Accordingly, there will be no difference between that and C3 [the planning classification for family homes] dwelling on a day-to-day basis."

But the council disagreed, saying that, after talks with the children's services team, and based on past experience, "it is disputed that a children's home would not be materially different to a typical family home".

A children's home must be registered with the industry watchdog Ofsted, and have a manager, duty manager, and a 'responsible person', with at least one manager on duty during weekday working hours.

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There was also concern that a child with complex "emotional or behavioural difficulties", who needs to be supervised by two workers instead of just one, would be living there.

Authority papers added: "Such children are far more likely to require intensive support throughout the week, which can typically generate regular visits from educational support workers, behavioural support workers, therapists, social workers, and advocates.

"It should be noted that only around 75 per cent of Blackpool's looked-after children are able to engage in mainstream education, as opposed to 87 per cent nationally, but that only 38 per cent of looked-after children from outside the area are able to engage in mainstream education, reflecting the complexity of their needs."

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