By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

A proposal for a new council children’s home in Portswood has secured planning permission.

 

The city council wants to deliver the new provision for four children between the ages of 13 and 18.

An application had to be submitted to change the use of the detached two-storey property from a dwelling house to a children’s home.

Councillors on the planning and rights of way panel unanimously approved the scheme at a meeting on Tuesday, September 2.

Cllr Sue Blatchford said: “While it is the loss of a family dwelling, it is actually a creation of a new form of family dwelling for young people who should be part of the family of Southampton.”

The property is part of a project to deliver three council children’s homes in Southampton.

The application had to go before the panel after receiving 10 objections from residents during a public consultation.

The objections raised issues with noise and disturbance, increased pressure on local services and the proposect of future expansion and alterations to the building.

A planning officer’s report said conditions set the maximum number of children who could be accommodated in the property and the change of use did not have residential permitted development rights.

This meant any further expansion to the building would require separate planning permission.

The home would have three day-time staff and two overnight staff.

Dr Nigel Wild said his concerns related to changes to boundary walls and moving trees.

“We understand the project has really good intentions for vulnerable people,” Dr Wild said.

“We are not sure it is the most cost-effective way.

“Perhaps more children could have been housed with a less ambitious project.

“Perhaps more money could have housed double the amount of children in a different facility.

“We are not questioning the morality or points. We are fully in favour of it.

“We just want to negotiate on some of the aspects of the structure that surrounds the building.”

The planning officer’s report said older walls on the side boundaries of the property would be retained, with only the more modern front wall being replaced with a fence.

Dan Buckle, council head of service for family help, said he was passionate about the project.

“I think Southampton’s children should be placed in Southampton, “Mr Buckle said.

“Close to their friends, family and network.

“We don’t have any council children’s homes in Southampton but we are working on a project to develop three.”

The council currently has 31 children placed in children’s homes all across the country, Mr Buckle said.

He added: “It is a very nice house and I make no apologies for that.

“I am proud of the fact that we are investing and buying good quality properties in good quality areas for our children.”

Portswood ward councillor John Savage supported the proposal, describing it as “entirely appropriate”.

“Southampton children should be wherever possible housed in the city of Southampton, close to any friendship networks and other family members that they have got,” Cllr Savage said.

Panel member Ginnie Lambert said: “I think this is a fantastic provision and well-deserved by our children.”