Southampton care leaver homes approved despite protests

Southampton City Council’s planning and rights of way panel granted planning permission to change the use of 8 Thorness Close in Redbridge.

Councillors heard the proposals submitted by Grace Nkunda would include round-the-clock on-site supervision for three residents aged between 16 and 21.

The home would provide supported accommodation for young people leaving foster care or children’s homes as they move towards independent living.

Eleven objections were received, including from Labour Redbridge ward councillors Sally Goodfellow and Eugene McManus.

Speaking at the panel meeting on Tuesday, August 11, Cllr Goodfellow said she wanted to raise the concerns put forward by residents.

She said: “We have a mix of elderly, disabled and families (in Thorness Close).

“This transformation is not in keeping with the close, a residential place characterised by family homes.”

Cllr Goodfellow said the close had insufficient parking and the property had inadequate private amenity space.

She added: “Noise nuisance is a very real possibility, based upon the nature of residents, disturbing the quality of the living environment currently enjoyed by all residents of Thorness Close.

“This is a step change in character of the close. A step too far from removing the amenity currently enjoyed by long-term residents.”

The panel heard there would be no external changes to the mid-terrace property, which had already been decorated and refurbished internally.

The accommodation would have three bedrooms for residents and a room for a single staff member to stay overnight.

No off-street parking would be provided at the property.

The council’s highways, environmental and children’s services departments did not object to the development.

Councillors were told there was a clear need for this type of accommodation in Southampton.

Planning officers said around 400 care leavers were placed outside Southampton this year, away from their support networks.

Mugabe Nkunda, speaking in support of the scheme, said the applicant was an accommodation provider for young people who need support and care.

He said the care service would be delivered by a specialist provider, which would hold the required registrations and staff training.

Panel members were split on the scheme.

Councillor Sam Pryce said the accommodation proposed was an essential part of the city’s housing mix.

He said: “I don’t think it’s unreasonable that it should be put into an ordinary residential street as residents have suggested.

“I would probably argue it is best it’s not a row of houses that are all care facilities because it restricts the reality that those people are going to live in.”

Councillor Ginnie Lambert said everyone involved in the local authority had a legal and moral responsibility to children in care and care leavers as corporate parents.

Cllr Lambert said: “A minority of care leavers will require this level of support.

“There will be some children and young adults who do require ongoing support and hopefully that will take them on to the next phase of life.”

Councillor Sarah Wood said the accommodation should be in residential areas but not in a mid-terrace property.

She said: “I think that’s too much noise disruption for residents.”

Councillor Dave Shields said his own experience of similar developments in his Freemantle ward led him to believe the supervision and management details were not adequate.

Panel chairman councillor Vivienne Windle said people seemed to be comparing apples with oranges.

She said the scheme should not be confused with other supported-housing applications previously considered by the panel.

Cllr Windle said: “This is for looked after children who need to move on from being in a children’s home or the foster care system and that’s very much needed.

“That’s the most difficult time in a young person’s life when they have been in care.”

The panel approved the plans by four votes to two.

The permission is subject to conditions requiring the applicant to soundproof walls, fit quiet-closing doors and produce a management plan.