Plans submitted for new children’s home in Shrewsbury

Golden Lane Housing, which comes under the Mencap umbrella, has applied to Shropshire Council for permission to convert a three-bedroom detached bungalow in Oak Street, Belle Vue, into a children's home to provide short breaks for children and offer respite for their families.

The short breaks service would be commissioned by Shropshire Council's children's services.

There is already a Mencap children's home in Shrewsbury which offers such a service and the Belle Vue property would be used to provide short stays for local, disabled children.

A design and access statement submitted to the council said: "The way this home would be organised would be very similar to a family with two adults, who have two children. Children would be encouraged and supported to develop the skills they need to live independent adult lives.

"The council has commissioned Mencap to run the two homes. Mencap recruit people who have the necessary skills and experience to run a service like this in Shropshire. Mencap have provided short breaks in Shropshire for over 10 years and both the council, Ofsted and families have been satisfied with Mencap's performance.

"Golden Lane Housing intend to purchase this property as they work closely with Mencap and together they have provided homes for people with a learning disability for 20 years. Although there would always be a member of staff at the property, the home would not be a permanent residence for the children.

"During term time, the children would attend local schools. Mencap have cared for the children who would be staying at the home for many years, meaning they know the children and their families very well.

"Golden Lane Housing and Mencap take great pride in providing homes to be proud of within local communities and it is felt that this property would be an ideal setting for two young disabled children requiring a short break from their families."

The property would be remodelled and there would be a wheelchair friendly hallway, large lounge, dining kitchen and two bedrooms plus an additional carer's bedroom.

The application, which was submitted to the council this week, will be determined at a date to be set.