An empty house in Sutton could become a children’s care home but only if the council approves the plans.
In October 2024, Parkview Care applied to Sutton Council to use the empty house standing at 27 Hamilton Avenue as a home to house children and support staff.
The house will be the main or sole residence for children on a medium to long term placement.
The supporting statement says the home will operate as a single household with all communal spaces shared, and the carers and children will cook together.
The applicant said that children would participate in both educational and recreational activities within the home.
It states: “Children will attend school, clubs, after school activities and excursions in line with the child’s interests and those of children of a similar age.”
There would be a total of two support staff who would work a 24-hour shift basis from 10am to 10am the following day, and no staff will attend the premises before 8am and after 9pm.
The level of care would be for children with “low support needs”.
Parkview Care would still provide children with social outings, but they’ve said, “the use would not be materially different from the number or pattern that would be reasonably expected with a family of six carrying out their day-to-day activities”.
Two social workers would attend the site once every six weeks.
The home will also be subjected to an Ofsted inspection if the council approves the plans.
No objections have been raised since the application was submitted last month.
In their supporting statement, the applicant said: “The development would not amount to a material change of use and no development requiring planning permission would take place.
“Therefore, there should be no objection to granting of certificate of lawfulness for the proposed use.”
The application was validated on Tuesday, November 12, and the council are expected to make a decision in the New Year.
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