PROPOSALS to turn a residential property in to a care home for children have been given the go-ahead by Neath Port Talbot Council.
They could now see a change of use at the detached property based on Talbot Road in Skewen to allow it to be used as a residential care home for up to four children.
The proposal was approved as part of the planning authority’s delegated decisions published between June 24 and July 24, 2025.
It was put forward by Aropa Care Group Ltd who operate several homes that provide specialist care for children across the South Wales area.
Plans say up to four children aged between eight and 17 would live at the property as their principal residence alongside a maximum of six staff at any given time.
A total of 10 members of staff would be employed at the site, with staffing levels said to be of a “variable” nature due to shift work patterns – with change overs occurring between 7am and 9am and again between 4pm and 6pm.
The application said no internal or external alterations were proposed to the dwelling, save for the refurbishment of the existing fabric.
It added: “The existing property has the layout, facilities and services of, and has the character of, a “traditional” residential dwellinghouse. The proposed use would not change this, and the external appearance of the building would not be altered.
“Day-to-day living facilities, including bathroom, kitchen, dining and sitting rooms would be shared. Each child would have their own bedroom.”
They also added that the property, located close to Skewen Memorial Park, would not be a secure unit as the applicants do not accommodate high-risk young people.
Officers said the plans represented an appropriate form of development and would have no unacceptable impact on the amenities of the area.
