Founders moved to tears as care home plan approved

The plan for a children's care home on farmland in Upton Scudamore has been approved

Applicants were moved to tears when their proposal for a children’s care home was approved, despite nearby resident's objections.

The plan to use a farm in Upton Scudamore for up to four young people and a team of staff was approved by Wiltshire Council on Wednesday.

Around 50 representations expressed concerns that ranged from the impact on “the tranquillity of the village” to the potential for a “constant” changeover of staff.

But care home founder Claire Bates said children that have suffered trauma and abuse "need a quiet space to begin to build trust again".

The care home founders were moved to tears when the plans were approved

Upton Scudamore Parish Council also objected to the plans, claiming the large proportion of elderly residents in the village would mean that the children would be “isolated” and effectively in “lockdown”, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told.

At the planning meeting, Lesley Welsh from the council said: “Even a basic evaluation would have shown that Upton has no facilities to offer young people.”

A local resident was also present and denied the objections were “nimbyism”.

One of the care home's founders, Sam Choules, agreed with objectors that the location was a “tranquil and picturesque” village.

“How amazing for a child who has experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma to wake up in the morning and feel safe, secure and happy in Upton Scudamore," she said.

Ms Bates added: “Children that have suffered trauma and abuse need a quiet space to begin to build trust again in adults and to help keep them safe from external factors.”

'Alleviate resident's concerns'

The committee resolved to approve the application, and the representatives of the children’s service were moved to tears.

“We look forward to helping vulnerable young people in this country and bringing children back to Wiltshire.

“We hope that in future we can alleviate residents’ concerns," Ms Bates added.