Care company has another shot at turning Carnforth house into children’s home
Revised plans for a house in Carnforth to be turned into a children’s home have been put forward to the city council.
Applicant Lune Side Care Ltd are proposing a change of use from an existing house to a two bedroom children’s home and associated erection of a single storey extension on the side at Fern Bank, Lancaster Road, Carnforth.
A previous planning application for a three bedroom children’s home was refused in March this year.
The end terrace dwelling on Fern Bank in question was previously a house.
The design and access statement said: “The proposed children’s bedrooms are on the first floor and are en-suite.
“On the ground floor there will be a living room and an open plan kitchen/dining area together with a separate studio space for use by staff members and that also contains a guest w/c.
"A wet room is off the proposed kitchen space, within a small scale rear extension.
"The home will provide care and support for two young adults age 10-17 at any one time from the local area and the duration of stay for a resident will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
“The residential home is designed to provide care for children who have individual care needs. Referrals to the home will come directly from the Care Commission.
"The children will be looked after by staff working on a rota pattern, at a staffing ratio of 1:1 during the day with one staff member on site during the night.
"Staff levels would increase during staff changeovers, when new staff starting their shift would be briefed by those finishing their shift.
“Visits would be made to the premises by social workers and other professionals on a case-by-case basis.
“Children will be educated off site in educational establishments suitable for their needs.
"The proposal will provide a ‘transition’ between leaving care and for independent living as adults.”
Planning documents also said: “The reduction in the level of accommodation proposed now means there is more space per child within the communal ground floor areas and the proposal now has the full support of the Commissioning Manager.
"It is respectfully requested the application is recommended for approval.”
Councillors have yet to make a decision the planning application.
View planning application reference number 26/00805/FUL at https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/view-applications-and-decisions