NEW CHILDREN'S HOME WILL "HELP TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY"

 A HOUSE in New Waltham is set to be converted to  a children's home.

North East Lincolnshire Council is seeking planning consent for change of use of 35 Peaks Avenue in the village.

It states: "The proposed usage would see up to four children living in this home as their permanent home.

" They will be between the ages of 5-18 years, and cared for by a minimum of two staff 24 hours a day.

"The home will be permanently staffed unless, like other families, the household are all away on their holidays. Like all children sometimes our young people have sleep-overs at their friend’s houses, or vice-versa.

"Currently North East Lincolnshire has eight children’s homes that blend anonymously into their community - no signage or details distinguishes these as anything other than ordinary family houses, which is what they are. 

"Ofsted inspects these homes and North East Lincolnshire’s are ordinarily rated 'good' or 'outstanding'."

The statement continues: "The children cannot live at home because of family issues and therefore has the council as legal 'parent'. 

"The children attend local schools, sports clubs, youth clubs, army cadets, leisure centres and so on.

"Some of our local NELC foster-homes in nearby streets have as many children living in them, as this home proposes to have. 

"Our children and staff shop locally and thereby  help to support and sustain the local retail community. This would create new local job roles for the community."

It adds: "The children who would be living in the home have lived together in their current home for over 18 months. 

"The intention for this building would be to maintain these stable placements and support these children through into independent living when reaching adulthood at age 18."

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