Care farm for autistic children approved

Street view of Fosse Field Farm in Stoney StantonImage source, Google
Image caption,

Peaceful Paddocks will provide educational, holistic and nature-based activities for children with autism

  • Published

A nature-based care farm to support the needs of autistic children has been given the green light by officials.

The project aims to provide activities for young people with the neurological condition at Fossefield Farm, Stoney Stanton, in Leicestershire.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the proposal, called Peaceful Paddocks, was also designed to help children at risk of exclusion from school.

Blaby District Council has approved a planning application for the scheme submitted by Brian and Hazel Sutton.

Documents submitted to the council said Peaceful Paddocks would support children who struggle with being in a classroom, have suffered trauma and anxiety, and those with an education and health care plan (EHCP).

The application said Peaceful Paddocks was designed to cater for up to 10 children between the ages of five and 18 at any one time.

The development would include a log cabin to provide "educational and welfare facilities" and a new stable and tack building.

The scheme could also offer short sessions for adults with learning difficulties and dementia, the LDRS said.

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