PLANNING permission is being sought to turn a Great Houghton property into a children’s home for two youngsters with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
An application was recently submitted to the council for a two-storey side and a single-storey front extension to a home on Manor Fields to ensure there is enough space for the property.
If approved, the home will be used by up to two children aged eight to 18.
A report states there is a clear ‘need’ for facilities like this to be created in Barnsley due to a ‘continued’ shortfall in provision.
It added: “The proposed development relates to a small-scale children’s residential home accommodating up to two children/young people aged eight to 18, supporting those with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD).
“The justification for the proposed development is informed by national and regional evidence and confirms ongoing demand and shortage of suitable provision.
“Local authorities face persistent difficulties in securing suitable residential placements, particularly for children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
“There are continued shortfalls in residential provision across Yorkshire and the Humber, resulting in children being placed at significant distances.
“Barnsley experiences difficulty sourcing local placements and increasing reliance on out-of-area provision.
“Neighbouring authorities also experience shortages and rely on cross-boundary placements.
“Higher levels of deprivation contribute to increased demand for children’s social care.
“Children are placed away from home, impacting education, family contact, and support.”
The home would be manned by a manager on-site who is ‘passionate’ about creating the right outcomes for youngsters.
The report added: “There is a clear and sustained need for additional provision, and this development represents an appropriate response.
“The evidence from the Department for Education, Ofsted, the National Audit Office, placement sufficiency analysis, regional research, and local safeguarding reports demonstrates a clear and sustained need for additional children’s residential care provision.
“In addition the home will be owned and managed by a former senior children’s social worker within the Barnsley area, who has extensive experience supporting children and families with complex needs.
“The registered manager is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and has developed this proposal in response to the recognised shortage of appropriate residential placements within the area.
“This ensures that the home will not only meet demand but will also deliver high-quality, therapeutic care with a strong focus on stability, consistency, and improved outcomes for children requiring residential support.”
Eleven neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date.
Public consultation ends on June 18.
