Plans have been submitted to convert a former family house in Rowlands Gill into a new children’s home.
The proposals, lodged by A Wilderness Way Ltd, if approved by Gateshead Council’s planning and development committee next Wednesday, would see nine Riverside Way shelter one child between 8-17 alongside staff.
According to documents submitted to Gateshead Council, the house would be staffed by six adults on rotation of two or three-day shifts. At any one time, two adults would be present, and the home would be subject to Ofsted Inspections.
A planning statement, from Hedley Planning Services, in aid of the proposals stated: “A Wilderness Way Ltd provide homes situated in tranquil countryside locations, allowing children to feel safe whilst providing them with the foundations on which they can rebuild their self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being.
“The Applicant aims to provide a home environment by creating an atmosphere where children feel settled, safe, supported and valued. The Applicant has a long-standing presence across Cumbria, Northumberland, and southern Scotland. They are currently acquiring further homes across the North-East, including County Durham and Gateshead, to meet an identified need for the specialist solo-occupancy services they provide.”
However, nine objections have been made and recorded on the council’s planning report. The complaints range from concerns that the house is purportedly too close to the river Derwent, to inadequate parking, and the potential effect on neighbouring property prices.
The local authority’s Children’s Services team noted the concerns around the home’s proximity to the river. However, in the council’s report, the team concluded that the risk posed by the proximity of the river is “no different to the risk posed to any of the occupants along Riverside Way”.
Council officers have also reported that they are satisfied that additional parking associated with the potential new use of the property would be acceptable contained within the curtilage of the building. In addition, property values are not a “material” planning consideration for the committee to consider.
Councillors will gather at Gateshead Civic Centre on Wednesday 2 October at 6 pm to decide on the application.
