A PROPOSAL to convert a Stalybridge house into a children’s home has already received 20 objections.
But those wanting to create the facility at Gallowsclough Road believe it would provide a key part of users’ lives.
Salford-based Dribben Investments, whose director is Ashley Dribben, has applied to Tameside Council to alter the residential property.
If planning permission is granted, children typically of between seven and 17 years of age will live there, along with three resident carers.
Documents supporting the application state they cannot live with their biological families ‘due to unfortunate circumstances such as abuse or neglect.’
They add: “These young people will be cared for by three resident carers with a part role of parent, who will sleep overnight, ensuring the property operates as a stable and nurturing family unit.
“The care provided is designed to replicate a family environment as best as possible in a family home where they feel safe, and not a large residential institution which cannot provide this environment.
“The children living at the property will participate in daily activities such as cooking meals with the adults, enjoying outings like trips to the cinema, restaurants, or parks, and experiencing the childhood they deserve.”
Children living at the home would attend local primary or secondary schools and care staff will take on the responsibilities of transportation to and from school.
Monthly unannounced inspections will be conducted by an independent professional and reports shared with the relevant authorities.
Social workers, therapists and Ofsted inspectors would also visit the property regularly to ensure the care provided meets regulatory standards and the children’s needs.
And a personal statement for the scheme adds: “Just as in any family, the children will also go on weekend trips and holidays, celebrate seasonal events such as Christmas or other festivals they wish to engage in, and contribute to the household through age-appropriate chores like tidying, gardening, and helping around the house.
“To maintain continuity of care, staff shift patterns are carefully planned, with minimal disruptions to maintain a normal family life.
“Most carers follow a rolling schedule of ‘two days on, four days off,’ ensuring familiarity and stability for the children.
“During shifts, carers are always present, including overnight, when a minimum of one staff member will remain on-site while sleeping.
“This nurturing family environment allows the children to live as close to a normal childhood as possible.
“They are encouraged to build friendships, with occasional after-school visits for meals from friends, further fostering a sense of belonging and community.”
The proposal has already negotiated one hurdle as highways officers say it ‘would not have on highways grounds an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or that the residual cumulative impact on the road network would be severe.’
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.