COUNCILLORS are set to decide on plans to turn a bungalow into a care home for a child.
Proposals for Rose Villa in Nunnery Lane will be considered by Worcester City Council’s planning committee next Thursday (August 13).
Councillor Bash Ali had called in the application for a decision by the committee, voicing some concerns about the scheme.
The Labour councillor said: “There is a lack of information about the nature of the facility and its implications for the area and residents. Parking is already a concern there.”
OUTDOOR SPACE: The garden of Rose Villa, a bungalow in Nunnery Lane (Image: Worcester City Council)
Plans were originally submitted to turn the three-bedroom bungalow into a care home for two children but revised down to be for one child during the course of the application.
The proposal is for 24-hour care at the property, with a bedroom for the child (aged between five and 17), a bedroom for an on-shift care worker and an office for use by carers.
Council planners, who have recommended the scheme for approval, said the submitted site plan identifies four off-street parking spaces.
But neighbours raised concerns about the plans.
Owen Beale said: “The property is located within a small residential street composed of family homes.
“The change of use of this property to a business and care home for children with significant emotional, behavioural or medical needs represents a substantial departure from the nature, character and heritage of the street and surrounding neighbourhood.
“Typically, the smaller the care home, the more likely it is that the residents require intensive support and supervision.
“Ratios of staff to residents often exceed one staff member to one child.
“This will require not only round-the-clock support staff working shifts but also regular visits from a variety of external professionals such as medical practitioners, social workers, therapists, education and safeguarding professionals.
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“The cumulative effect of this increased footfall and traffic at all hours presents significant concerns in respect of disturbance, noise and safety.”
Applicant Khalid Hussain said the home would be “appropriately managed and subject to Ofsted inspections.”
“The carers working at the property will be qualified staff and operate the home on a rota basis.
“The bungalow will also be subject to a maintenance/cleaning schedule, which will ensure it is kept to a very high standard internally and externally at all times.”
