Westhougton: Children's home planned on Old Vicarage

The plans will see a three-bedroom house on Old Vicarage, Westhoughton into a home for two youngster between the ages of 11 and 18 and three sleep-in carers.

Bolton Council has now decided that this would not count as a “material change of use” and so have allowed the plan to proceed.

A report said: “The applicant has stated that a maximum of two children will live at the house supported by carers.

“The shift pattern will be such that there will be no more than three carers in the premises at any one time with two carers sleeping overnight.

The plans can now proceed (Image: Blossom Supported Living)

“No external alterations to the building are proposed with parking retained on the driveway.”

It added: “The council is satisfied that the proposed change of use from a dwelling house to a small care home for a maximum of two children or young people supported by a maximum of three carers at any one time, two of whom would sleep overnight, will not constitute a material change of use.”

This means that the development is lawful.

Other similar kinds of developments have been proposed at various locations all over Bolton in recent months.

The developers, Blossom Supported Living, have said that up to three staff members could be present during the day but only two will sleep over at the house.

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The two children will be cared for by trained carers for 24 hours a day, seven days a week in what they call a “communal environment” similar to a normal home.

A statement said: “Care would be given in a communal environment with the child and their carers sharing facilities in a manner akin to a conventional household.

“The carers for the children would not be permanent residents but would work on a regular shift pattern to provide continuity with the children and create a family environment and bond with the child.”

It added: “Children would be cared for on a medium to long term basis for them to integrate properly into the community and build strong relationships with the carers.”

The decision notice was given on Wednesday August 2.