Village house to become residential care centre for under 18s
A house on the edge of a village is set to be converted into a residential care centre for young people with mental health conditions despite concerns it could lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour in the area.
The facility at Ivetsey Road, Wheaton Aston, will provide accommodation and support services for up to five under 18s at a time. The young people will be patients of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHs) who need to be discharged from hospital but are not able to return home due to circumstances beyond their control.
The large two-storey detached home is a mile away from Huntercombe Hospital, which supports 12-18-year-olds with severe or complex mental health conditions requiring inpatient treatment.
A report to South Staffordshire Council’s planning committee said: “It is understood that the service will be support led, with an on-site care registered manager. The applicant anticipates that the average length of stays would be one to two years, with beds funded and filled by a mixture of local authority referrals or from the local Clinical Commissioning Group.
“The proximity of the host building to the existing Huntercombe Hospital will enable the facility to access the pool of specialist support staff and additional supporting services based at the hospital site.”
Lapley, Stretton and Wheaton Aston Parish Council objected to the change of use however, alongside three nearby residents.
They said a similar change of use at a nearby property had resulted in anti-social behaviour and the facility would be better placed at Huntercombe Hospital. There were also concerns that the young residents would be unable to walk to Huntercombe Hospital because of a lack of footpaths and lighting, as well as potential noise, disturbance, privacy, security and highway safety issues.
Objector Michael Ward said: “Only recently another was granted for a similar change of use for residential managed services for the care of children up to the age of 18 years old who suffered from mental health disorders. This property directly overlooks a paddock and the rear of our own property and unfortunately we have to put up with the constant loud shouting, arguing and swearing emanating from this property.
“This has caused extreme concern to both ourselves and our clients who have very young children with horses, based at Wardies Livery. We have already had one client move off the yard due to the problem of swearing and inappropriate behaviour to riders passing by the house and others have raised concern over the loud swearing which can be clearly heard across the stables.
“My wife worked with children with various mental and physical disabilities for many years so we are both well aware of the problems and need for care to these unfortunate youngsters. However we also know how hard it is to control their behavioural tendencies and unfortunately how hard it is for outsiders to accept the traits of these patients.
“The existing local hospital site has expansive grounds and an existing derelict property adjoining their grounds, sharing their access drive. We all feel that there is adequate opportunity and land available for them to place such a care facility within the grounds of the hospital. Surely the advantages of staffing, transport and security would be better served if they used their existing site.”
The plans were recommended for approval by planning officers and committee members agreed to grant permission for the change of use.
A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “Staff will be present in the property on a full 24/7 basis, with a three shift rotation of three staff to a shift. Residents will only be in occupation once they have been fully discharged from their care facilities following completion of treatment programmes and as they will be under 18, they will be attending education and training establishments during term times.
“From research by Huntercombe Young People Ltd, there is an acknowledgement that there is insufficient provision in the Staffordshire area for this type of service provision. This will provide a needed stepping stone to their future for these young people who are unable to return to their family homes, but will no longer be in need of hospitalisation.”
