Plan to convert house near Whitchurch into children’s home gets green light

Utopia Childcare submitted an application for the change of use for the property in Tilstock, near Whitchurch.

In a planning statement, Ultimate Investment Properties Ltd said the proposal is for two children to live at the home, while there will be a maximum of two permanent staff there at any one time.

An additional two staff members, meanwhile, will be on site to act as manager and deputy manager during the office hours of 9am to 5pm.

“The company aims to provide high-quality homes for children and young people so that they have a stable and nurturing environment to enjoy their childhood and achieve the best possible outcomes for their future,” said Gareth Jones of Ultimate Investment Properties Ltd.

“In this respect, the applicant aims to create a home that replicates the typical functioning of a nuclear family dwelling so as to give the young people who live there as normal a life as possible, especially for when they are unable to live with their parents through no fault of their own.

“Once the staff member arrives in the home, they do not leave for at least a 24-hour period which reduces staff movement in and out of the home.

“The changeover period is between 8am and 8.30am. Staff are employed to work a 40-hour week and will follow the set shift pattern accordingly.

“Handover periods may lead to a temporary increase in staff numbers at the property but it would be the parenting group and would then revert back to the norm.”

Mr Jones added that there is ample off-road parking at the property, with six spaces provided via the existing driveway. Additional parking facilities can be provided by the garage if required.

After considering the proposal, planning officers at Shropshire Council granted a lawful development certificate.