By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A children’s home will remain in a Nottinghamshire housing estate for at least another two years despite concerns raised by residents and councillors.
Residents have previously raised concerns about extra traffic and disturbances from the home, which is in the Ashfield district.
Applicant Nottinghamshire County Council and Homes2Inspire said a new staffing model is in place and any visitors to the home should arrive by taxi or park away from the address.
The current planning permission expires on February 9 after planning permission was granted on a temporary basis in September 2021.
Councillors agreed to grant planning permission for another two years, until January 2026.
Nottinghamshire County Council approved the extension at a planning committee meeting on January 30.
But many raised concerns over the home and its impact on neighbours.
Cllr Philip Owen (Con) said what residents have experienced is “pretty awful” and Cllr Tom Hollis (Ind) said the home was “not in the right location”.
The location of the home, which is run for the council by Homes2Inspire, is not being reported for legal reasons.
The home is part of the authority’s strategy to move away from “institutional” children’s homes in favour of smaller properties in residential areas.
One neighbour objected to the plans and said in a statement the level of disturbance had lessened in recent months.
But they said: “I live a few doors away from the children’s home and in the two years it has been operational, there have been several issues with disruption from this house.
“This location is totally unsuitable. I am not reassured by the comments made by the home with regards to improvements and therefore wish to lodge my disappointment that the proposal is going ahead.”
David Marsh, major projects senior practitioner, said: “Officers are not aware of any complaints having been raised.”
Beth Downing, on behalf of the applicant, said: “Members are all too aware of the desperate need for more children’s homes to accommodate the growing number of children who are in our care.
“We need more homes in communities. Good homes in good areas is what Ofsted expects.
“Despite some initial problems, it has been a success.
“We have worked with Homes2Inspire on reducing vehicle impact through proportionate staffing numbers, car sharing, holding meetings off-site where possible and the use of parking away from the home.
“There are 974 Nottinghamshire children in care and 219 of those originate from Ashfield.
“37 of these children live in residential homes yet there are only four children placed in homes in Ashfield.
“Unfortunately we don’t have nearly enough foster carers so we will need to keep opening children’s homes in Nottinghamshire. We can’t afford to lose this home.”
Cllr Tom Hollis said: “I strongly agree with the principle of these facilities.
“The first time I found out about this in 2021, I said it was the wrong location.
“I am the portfolio holder for social housing at Ashfield and I made the offer to make available two council houses in more appropriate locations. That offer is back on the table.
“This simply isn’t the right location.”
Cllr Mike Quigley (Con) said: “My wife and I were foster carers for many years and visits by the police were not unusual at our house because we had a very troubled young man.
“I don’t see that as a reason to turn down a children’s home.
“I would take objection to Cllr Hollis’ statement saying he could give us two council houses, are we saying children in our care have to be put in social housing? I find that disingenuous.”
Cllr Francis Purdue Horan said: “It’s an extremely difficult item and I understand and appreciate the information Cllr Hollis has shared.
“But there is now a more modern approach for looking after children and we can’t throw that out either.
“If we were to reject it today it would present considerable difficulties. A time-limited extension is appropriate given the concern we have seen.”
Cllr Philip Owen (Con) said what residents have experienced is “pretty awful”.
He said: “When this came to the committee a couple of years ago now I supported the recommendation against my better judgement.
“It’s alright for you all to say it will get better but you haven’t got to live through it day after day. I am very concerned about this.”
