A HOUSE in a Denbighshire village could be converted into a children’s home.
Mountcare Residential Limited has applied to Denbighshire County Council, seeking planning permission for use of a home at Oakstead Meliden Road, Dyserth, for the care and supervision of young people.
The application for the lawful development certificate says the home, if granted permission, would be used for a maximum of four young people aged between 11-18 with “specific needs”.
The application form said the children and teenagers would be supported by 24-hour care seven days a week by “qualified and experienced staff” on a one-to-one ratio, with two staff staying overnight.
A statement submitted in support of the application said: “The proposed use is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and family-style environment to help the young residents develop essential life skills and prepare for independent living.
“The residing youngsters will attend local schools or colleges and participate in community life, in the same manner as any young person living in a traditional family home.”
In support of the application, Mountcare Residential Limited also reminded the council that a similar home had been refused by Wrexham County Council for “a material change of use”.
But the care provider applying for the children’s home appealed and won, with the planning inspector saying a material change of use was not proposed.
In regard to that application, the planning inspector is quoted in the report as saying: “The adults would cook, clean, ferry the children about, care for them and largely carry out the same duties as a parent.
“I do not consider the difference would be sufficiently noticeable or material in a planning-use sense to constitute a change of use.”
The planning application is likely to be considered at a future planning committee meeting at Denbighshire County Council’s Ruthin County Hall HQ.
