Residents oppose a children’s home in Old Shotton citing safety and lack of engagement. Council to review the plan.
Atlas Children’s Homes wants to convert a house on Shadforth Close to house three young people between six and seventeen, who have emotional and behavioral issues.
Eighty-four people signed a petition against it, and the council received fifty-four objection letters. The planning department advises refusal, with Durham County Council set to consider it Tuesday.
Residents think it harms community unity, noting that many older people live nearby. Objectors say a pub is too close, feeling it is a potential safety risk.
Susan McDonnell, a county councillor, thinks the applicant lacks experience, which could cause more bad behavior. She believes profit is the only motive and urges the council to reject the plan.
She wants the government to stop exploitation, saying this is not an isolated case. MP Grahame Morris also objects to the plan, citing a lack of community engagement and saying the company failed to comply with plans.
He noted that two pubs are very close by, and he believes this is bad for the children’s health. He called the application speculative and profit-driven, fearing it will not help Durham’s children’s services or benefit the community.
Atlas says they will register with Ofsted and plan quality oversight and adherence to standards. This addresses concerns about experience, as their planning statement says it will help kids.
They aim to create a nurturing space for them and think this property offers a valuable service. However, the council’s planning department disagrees, doubting the children’s home is safe enough.
The department thinks the location is unsuitable, stating it won’t offer a safe environment and fearing it would expose occupants to crime.