PLANS to create a new children’s home in Monk Bretton have been refused by the council following almost two dozen objections by residents.
An application was submitted to the council for a property on Folly Way to be used as a children’s home for four kids in February.
A report stated that the children would be under 18 and would live together as a single household.
It added: “The change to a children’s home will involve less coming and going of people from the property and staff being on longer shifts.
“The proposed use involves the occupation of the property by up to four children (under 18 years old) who will live together as a single household.
“The children will receive 24-hour care from professional carers working on a rota basis, with longer term staff, generally two carers will be present at any given time with shifts starting at 9am and sleeping overnight until 9am, following normal patterns of adults going to and from work in the area.
“The carers do not reside permanently at the property but work in shifts to provide necessary support and supervision.”
The proposed property was set in between Monk Bretton Cricket Club and green space.
Following public consultation, a number of concerns were raised by both councillors and local residents.
An officer report said: “Monk Bretton ward councillors were consulted and have verbally and informally raised concerns regarding the proposed development however no formal comments have been received.
“There is no statutory requirement for local planning authorities to consult third parties, including neighbouring residents or parish councils on a lawful development certificate (LDC) application since an LDC application is a matter of fact and law and is not determined on it planning merits or judged against national or local planning policies or guidance.
“Despite this, 21 letters of representation have been received in objection to the proposal, a number of which were identical.
“However, as the application is determined on the basis of fact and law, the comments cannot be taken into account.”
Concerns ranged from community safety, noise and disturbance, impact on families on the estate and an effect on property value.
The plans were officially rejected by Barnsley Council’s planning board earlier this week.
“The applicant’s statement indicates that the proposed use will cater for up to four children to be living together as a single household,” the report added.
“It is therefore noted that there will not be a permanent adult occupant of the dwelling.
“The applicant states that the children will receive 24-hour care from professional carers working on a rota basis, with longer term staff, generally two carers being present at any given time with shifts starting at 9am and ending at 9am the next day.
“The applicant further states the carers do not reside permanently at the property but work in shifts to provide necessary support and supervision.
“The North Devon judgement confirms that it is unrealistic to expect children to look after themselves in a single household.
“As a result of the above, the use cannot therefore be considered to fall within Class C3(b).
“As a consequence, the proposed use requires planning permission and this lawful development certificate application to be refused.”
