PLANS to turn a property into a children’s home have been approved by the council - despite objections stating there were fears antisocial behaviour would worsen in the area.
The property, on Lang Avenue in Lundwood, is currently used as a residential home but will be turned into a children’s home for up to two youngsters now the plans are approved.
A report states: “In its current form as a family home, it is typical for multiple occupants (such as both parents) to own and use vehicles.
“In contrast, the proposed use as a children’s home will involve a lower level of car usage.
“Only one staff member will be present on-site at any given time, typically arriving in a single vehicle.
“Where possible, staff will also be encouraged to make use of public transport and sustainable travel methods, including cycling.”
The report added that the home will help children to express their feelings while also ensuring they continue to attend the health and education services that they need.
“The dwelling on Lang Avenue is in the process of registering a children’s home for vulnerable children at risk of harm.
“It will provide social work activities to the community and support the children.
“The service provides short, medium and long-term care for children aged between eight and 18 years who have experienced developmental difficulties or placement breakdowns, including family, foster and residential displacements.
“The dwelling on Lang Avenue will apply a supportive model of care to give children an opportunity for personal growth and development.”
When the plans were put to public consultation, one resident cited a potential rise in antisocial behaviour as a concern.
However, when the council contacted South Yorkshire Police they were told this should not be the case given the current situation elsewhere with similar properties.
The report added: “During the application process, concerns were raised in respect of previous and existing antisocial behaviour issues and the potential for the proposal to worsen such issues.
“Potential impact on local services through increased demand was also identified as an area of concern.
“Regarding antisocial behaviour, paragraph 96(b) of the NPPF establishes that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which promote social interaction, including opportunities for meetings between people who otherwise might not come into contact with each other, and are safe and accessible, so that crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion.
“South Yorkshire Police were consulted, and it was stated that there were no incidents requiring the attendance of police to the application address over the past 18 months.
“Considering the above, while some isolated antisocial behaviour incidents may be experienced by residents these are existing issues that do not relate to the application proposal and therefore, these concerns are attributed no weight in this instance.
“It would also be presumptuous to say the proposal would contribute to increased antisocial behaviour incidents.
“Nevertheless, it is anticipated that any potential incidents could be appropriately managed by trained staff and service protocols or by the police if required.
“While antisocial behaviour incidents may be worrying for local communities and may present some temporary disruption, it is not considered that they would undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and would instead promote social interaction, including opportunities for meetings between people who otherwise might not encounter each other in this instance.”
The plans were subsequently given the green light by the council.
