Town council object to Children’s Home conversion
Plans to turn a house in Dothill into a children’s care home have sparked strong objections from local residents. The proposal, submitted by Turnstone Residential Ltd, would see a four-bedroom property on Emral Rise accommodate three children aged seven to 17, along with two staff members.
The plan involves converting the current living room into a combined living and dining area and using the dining room as a manager’s office and sleeping area. Further modifications would be made to the first floor to create three children’s bedrooms and another manager’s office. The home would operate 24/7, with staff working in shifts.
Wellington Town Council has raised strong objections to the plans, supported by 17 residents who attended a planning meeting. Their concerns include a lack of parking, fears of antisocial behaviour, and the belief that the house is not suitable for a care home, which could change the character of the quiet street. They also highlighted the narrow road and the large number of carers who would come and go, causing congestion.
Local councillor Karen Tomlinson has also requested that the application be refused, saying there was a “lack of transparency” with existing residents. She said Emral Rise is not a suitable location for the home, given it is a solely residential area with a lack of services nearby.
In her objection, Cllr Tomlinson also pointed out that the property is subject to a restrictive covenant and believes the proposal does not consider the needs of the current community, the children, or the staff it plans to house. She raised safeguarding concerns, citing contradictions in the application.
According to the design and access statement, the home is intended to provide a “nurturing, homely, and safe environment” and help children develop the skills needed to function in mainstream society. The plans also outline that children would be offered various activities, including swimming, go-karting, and forest trips.
Additional reporting by Paul Rogers – Local Democracy Reporting Service
