Plan for children's home in city given go-ahead

Southampton City Council said it was also working on plans to establish a further two children's homes in the city

Plans to convert a residential house into a new children's home in Southampton have been approved.

Southampton City Council wants to set up the home for four children between the ages of 13 and 18 with three day and two overnight staff in a detached two-storey house in Portswood.

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

The authority said it was also working on plans to establish a further two children's homes in the city and currently had 31 children placed in children's homes "all across the country".

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

Councillor 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."

Dan Buckle, council head of service for family help, added: "I think Southampton's children should be placed in Southampton, close to their friends, family and network."

The objections raised issues with noise and disturbance, increased pressure on local services and the prospect 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.