Children’s home plan refused

Plans to convert a house into a children’s home have been turned down after residents warned it would impact their livelihoods, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar. 

Hundreds of locals objected to a proposal from The Family Tree Group to open the facility for three children in Raven Court, Shildon. 

Neil Taylor, from The Family Tree Group, said the facility will benefit children who need “safety, stability, and care”.

However, members of Durham County Council’s planning committee supported local concerns by refusing the proposal at a meeting on Thursday June 19. 

Residents said there has been heightened anxiety for the wellbeing of the area since the application was submitted. A petition against the proposal received 95 signatures. 

Nicola Craddock, a mother-of-two, said: “The proximity of this house to the nature reserve is a risk to all the children in the home and puts massive pressure on police services. 

“We are not unreasonable people, it just doesn’t work. We are just fighting to live in the place we signed up for, which said no businesses. The place is unsuitable and kindly request that if you don’t want to live there, please sell your house. Don’t do this to us.”

Durham Constabulary also objected and said the location is unsuitable. 

Steve Garrett, who also lives nearby, added: “117 objections means there is now wide awareness of this planned venture, which could lead to fears around crime and disorder.”

However, Mr Taylor disputed the concerns when setting out the company’s plan for the children’s home.

He said: “What we are proposing is not a business or an institution, it’s a family-style home for three vulnerable children from County Durham.

“It would be supported by trained carers 24/7.This application is about giving three children the chance to grow up in a home, not a facility, a place that feels normal in a community that cares.

“There is no sound planning reason to refuse this application. The police are stereotyping the children as criminals but they are victims.

“We need to work with everyone to ensure we deliver outstanding care.”

Committee members praised the applicant’s intentions to support vulnerable children but said the police force’s concerns were too serious to ignore.

Cllr Elizabeth Pears said: “We are not working on the assumption that all of these children are going to be trouble. They are very vulnerable people, they deserve our care and our respect, and we shouldn’t be making assumptions.

“But what has concerned me is the fact that the police believe that these children will not be safe there. That is the main reason that I’m not happy with it.

“I want to make sure that our looked after children are looked after in the best possible way.”