AN APPLICATION seeking permission to use a new-build property which is part of a development at a former fire station site as a children's home has been approved.

A bid for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed use of a new-build property as a children's home on land at the former fire station at Parr Stocks Road was sent to council planners.

Plans stated the proposed children’s home will be "operated by Gradan Care Ltd to provide accommodation, care and support to children."

A certificate of lawfulness is a means of obtaining a decision from a planning authority that a proposed use or works do not require planning permission.

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An application for 40 properties to be created, a mix of houses and apartments, had been submitted by Gradan Homes and approved by the council's planning committee in 2022.

In the application for a children's home at one of the plots, a Community Impact Statement by Gradan said: "The home is a proposed two-beds home which will accommodate no more than two children.

"The stated purpose of this home will be to provide a safe and nurturing environment for a children who are not able to live within their birth families."

A CGI of a house in the plans, approved in 2022A CGI of a house in the plans, approved in 2022 (Image: Lawrenson Associates (St Helens Council Planning Portal))

It added the local authority "currently have a need for quality therapeutic provisions with staff trained and equipped to deal with children who have sadly experienced numerous placements moves".

Plans say the age range of children at the home will be between four and 17  and "the home will provide care and support to enable them to achieve positive outcomes in all aspects of their life". 

The statement added: "Gradan Care feel strongly that all children and young people deserve to live in a property which recreates a positive family atmosphere and can offer a great quality of life.

"The home will allow the young people to live in a safe residential setting, that will improve their quality of life.

"The size and occupancy of the home and the arrangements for parking mean that there is not going to be excessive traffic to and from the home or congested parking which would identify the home as different to others within the area."

Plans add that staff changeovers will occur at 8am daily and "night-time changeovers will never be a pre-planned event and may only occur in the event of an emergency situation".

In a report, granting the certificate of lawfulness, planning officer Kim Vo said: "The proposed use is therefore, not considered to result in a material change to that of a conventional residential three-bedroomed dwelling.

"The use of the property by two carers providing care for two young persons would be similar to that of a traditional family household".