PLANS to turn a house in Bath Road, Keynsham, into a children’s care home have been approved.
The detached property will care for up to three young people at a time, typically aged between seven and 18.
The applicants, Streetz Ahead Creative Housing, say this diverse age range will enable a focus on accommodating siblings. The maximum number of three will allow “more personalised care and attention to each individual.”
Staff will be present round the clock. The team will be a mix of care staff and a manager.
The application submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council attracted 10 comments in support and six against.
A council officers’ report noted that some objectors argued that a care home would cause disturbance for neighbours, and an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour. But the report said: “There is no evidence to demonstrate that the children will be anti-social, or that the use will result in an increase in crime.”
Officers felt the level of noise arising from the change of use would be comparable to that if the house was occupied by a family with children.
Other objections were raised on the basis that the location would put the children’s health at risk due to air pollution from vehicles.
The officers’ report said: “The location of the property next to a main road and Keynsham bypass is acknowledged. However it is noted that the property in its current use could be occupied by a family with children at any time.”
Keynsham Town Council supported the proposed change of use, saying there were no planning reasons to object.
Plan for Keynsham children’s care home approved
