Five children's care homes to be built on one housing estate in Newcastle

Neighbours have been reacting to the news that five children's care homes are set to be built on one housing estate in North Staffordshire.

Concerned residents organised a public meeting to highlight worries with the local councillor and discuss next steps.

Woodrow Way and Badgers Croft in Waterhayes are set to be consumed with children's care homes. The homes are set to be for children aged between six and 16 and will have full time carers based at the property.

In a public meeting held at the Jolly Potter concerns over sexual exploitation, school places and house prices were all highlighted by residents. All residents at the meeting were too frightened to give their names, however one said: "Why were we not consulted? As residents of the estate what protections have we got from what is going on."

Concerned residents held a public meeting to highlight their worries (Google).

Another added: "The problem is there are so many in such a short distance which is going to cause issues. Nobody is saying we shouldn't have one but when you have so many is such a short distance, the vulnerability of these young people and also don't forget the vulnerability of our children, our grandchildren, that you can't be in your own garden unless you're being threatened.

"The sexual exploitation close by, the school impact and so on. We do feel for these young people who have been brought into care homes and it's about making sure they are placed in the right area and not so many in a short residential area."

Many of the planning statements for the care home state: "Use will be no different to that of a family home. The only difference being that carers will be present at the property."

All of the care homes have applied for a Certificate of Lawful Use which limits the ability of the planning department to consider the impact of the potential development. As the development does not involve a material change and is not materially different from the existing use Newcastle Borough Council have granted permission.

Local ward councillor, Lilian Barker, told residents she will be making waves at the council (LDRS).

A resident who lives just a few doors away from one of the properties said: "I don't know how something like this is allowed to happen on a residential estate. This is going to cause problems and I don't want ambulances and police showing up at all times of the day."

Local ward councillor, Lilian Barker told the packed pub that she will be making waves at the council. Speaking after the meeting she said: "I'm going to try and get a meeting because this is very important. The volume of people here tonight who aren't happy.

"I personally would like to see some consultation with the residents because that's what they are complaining about and they're not given the opportunity to."

A spokesman for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said: "These are not planning applications in which the Council is able to consider the impact of a proposal.

"And if there is no material change of use, there is no requirement for planning permission.

"An application for a Certificate of Lawful Use means the council can only consider whether a building is being used for the purpose it was intended – and a house capable of accommodating adults and children can be used as a private dwelling or a children's home."

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