Controversial children’s home plans withdrawn

Up to five young people aged between eight and 17 were set to live at the home in Offley Brook, which is more than three miles from Eccleshall.

The Keys Group, which sought permission to change the use of an existing house, said it aimed to provide the young people with “an environment as close as possible to a traditional family home”.

But several residents in the area spoke out against the plans – and MP Sir Bill Cash also wrote to Stafford Borough Council.

The application has now been withdrawn at the request of the applicant and agent, Stafford Borough Council has confirmed.

Sir Bill said: “Thirty-five local addresses in the immediate area – an overwhelming majority of this rural locality – have objected to the plans.

“Offley Brook is an isolated rural area; the suggested site lacks access to public transport and I am informed that it is often inaccessible due to flooding during winter months. It will simply not be possible to access and therefore run the facility to full capacity in inclement weather.

“Relocating a child to such a remote corner of my constituency, from anywhere in the country, will not result in that child’s needs being met. Shops, schools and leisure facilities are miles away.

“The nearest facilities are a four-mile drive away in Eccleshall and secondary schools are considerably further. Leisure facilities and entertainment venues suitable for teenagers simply do not exist in or near the area.

Needs

“This property is too far away from schools and facilities to be suitable for children and teenagers. Consequently, ferrying five children to and from their varying and different daily requirements will considerably increase local traffic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed to us all the importance of a stable internet connection. Properties in Offley Brook do not have access to broadband and Openreach has confirmed to my constituents that does not intend to lay down fibre any time soon.

“I know from residents in the area that they have struggled with something as simple as sending emails with the connections they have currently. How would these children be expected to access online lessons or do their homework? Additionally, there is no mobile phone signal in the locality.”

Residents living in the area voiced concerns about the nature of the children who would live there. There were also safety worries because of open water and the single track road system.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The applicant has considerable experience in assisting children from a variety of backgrounds with different needs.

“Some young people will appreciate the quietude of a rural or semi-rural location whereas others will thrive in an urban environment. Wherever possible Keys will provide placements for young people that accord with their needs.

“It is not necessarily appropriate for all young people needing residential care to live in urban environments and some will benefit from the quietude that a rural environment provides – just as some traditional families live in rural areas whilst many others live in settlements.”