Concerns over childrens' home changes rejected by councillors
Plans to increase staffing levels at a children’s home in Dinnington have been approved by councillors, despite objections over traffic and parking.
Rotherham Council’s planning board agreed to amend conditions at a property on Swinston Hill Road, which was granted permission last year to operate as a home for up to three children.
The changes will allow three staff members to be on duty at one time, instead of two, with additional staff member present when required.
The applicant said the revised staffing arrangements followed discussions with Ofsted, and needed for and safeguarding.
There were 24 objections, with residents warning the increase in staff could lead to more vehicles and congestion on the residential street.
Some said the changes would “completely change the dynamic” of the original scheme, while others raised concerns about road safety near a nearby junction.
Dinnington St John’s Town Council also objected, questioning whether the property was large enough to accommodate the level of staffing and visiting professionals.
Ms A Wright, speaking for Dinnington St John’s Town Council, said: “This is a quiet family focused street. Residents include elderly people, families with young children, and long standing homeowners who have built their lives there. The siting of a 24 hour care facility, however small in scale, brings with it continuous staff movements, visits from professionals and relatives, and a level of operational intensity that only increase with the number of children in residents there.
“The assumption that all staff will arrive and leave neatly within shift times is unrealistic, and visitor parking will inevitably spill onto the street. This raises avoidable safety issues, especially with school children regularly walking along this route.”
Mr G Tabor said: “The increase in staff will increase traffic generation, creating a real danger to those road users. It will without a doubt, affect the amenities of vocal residents who seem to have been ignored.
Another objector raised the point that the home was being operated for financial gain.
However, Verity Thurtle, director of Braveheart care and the home’s manager, told the meeting that the area’s police had visited the property and raised no concerns.
“Although the property itself is large, with six double bedrooms, we have made a very deliberate decision to limit occupancy to just three children,” added Ms Thurtle.
“This ensures that each child receives high levels of care, attention and support in a stable environment.
“The property has a private driveway that can accommodate up to five vehicles. This is more than sufficient for staff and visiting professionals.
“We recognize that some concerns raised by the community are rooted in long standing stigma around children’s homes. All we’re trying to do is give three vulnerable young people a good start in life.”
Planning officers told the meeting the increase in staffing would result in only a modest rise in vehicle movements, mainly during daytime hours.
They said activity at the site would remain comparable to that of a large family home.
Highways officers said Swinston Hill Road can accommodate some on-street parking.
Councillors approved the changes.