Plans have been submitted to convert a house in South Harrow into a residential children’s home providing round-the-clock care. The application concerns a property on Corbins Lane and would allow it to accommodate up to two young people aged under 18.
The house is currently classed as a family home. The proposal seeks to change its use to a residential care setting.
Home would have 24-hour staffing
Documents submitted with the application show that the home could have up to four care workers present during the day and evening.
A manager would normally attend between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Overnight staffing would include two sleep-in members of staff and one waking night worker.
The planning statement says: “The staffing model would allow for up to four care staff during the day/evening period where required, with 24-hour staffing cover maintained, together with a day manager during normal working hours.”
The exact number of staff present would depend on the needs of the children living at the home.
Two young people would live at the property
The proposed home would accommodate no more than two children or young people.
Each would have their own bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The plans also show a staff bedroom, office, lounge, snug, study area, kitchen and dining space.
The operational statement says the aim would be to provide “a stable, nurturing and family-like home environment rather than an institutional setting”.
The young people would be supported with education, appointments, activities and contact with family members where appropriate.
Home would be regulated by Ofsted
The proposed home would be run by Casterton Care Group, which is described in the documents as an Ofsted-registered children’s home provider. The home would still need to obtain the relevant registration before opening.
Its operation would be subject to safeguarding procedures, inspections, staff training and individual care plans. The submitted documents state that the home would not be used as a hostel, school, medical facility or training centre.
The property is not within the Green Belt, a conservation area or a flood-risk zone. It is also not a listed building and is not within an area of special character.
Harrow Council will now consider the application before deciding whether to grant planning permission.
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