95 Dorking Road in Romford. (Credit: Google Street View)
(Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sebastian Mann)
The two-storey mid-terrace in Dorking Road is currently used as a residential home, but the applicant is keen to improve provision in the area.
Three children would live in the facility on a full-time basis, while two carers would work 12-hour day and night shifts.
The plan would provide a “discreet and quiet” place where children can grow into “valued members of society,” on top of jobs for local residents, according to a design statement submitted to Havering Council’s planning department.
Its purpose would be ensuring young residents are “given support” and are “prepared for life when they leave”.
It would also provide “safety and security” for young people in the care system, as well as “age-appropriate routines and activities” to encourage them to develop social and practical skills.
Alongside a total of four carers, a manager would also be employed between Mondays and Fridays.
Each child would be given a placement plan, based on their behavorial, social, and emotional needs.
The design statement does not say how long the children would be at the house for, nor what the turnover of residents would look like.
In order to provide “top levels” of care, the home would need to provide a “safe and homely environment,” a “child-centred approach,” and employ “highly-skilled staff,” the applicant added.
The application does not mention an affiliation with a pre-existing care group nor a business.
Traffic to and from the house would be comparable to a family of working adults and children attending school, the applicant says. The only change in terms of residential activity would be that carers would be required to be on-site at all times.
The planning committee is expected to make its decision by August 9th.
