Former Staffordshire farmhouse could become home for young people
A Grade II listed former farmhouse in Staffordshire could become a new home for young people in care.
The Eighth Earl of Harrowby has applied to Stafford Borough Council for permission to change the use of Stone House Farm on the edge of Sandon Park into a children’s care home.
A heritage statement submitted as part of the application said: “The building is a large five bedroom former farmhouse and is grade II listed.
“The difficulty to find a suitable tenant is believed to relate to the larger size of the property and to some extent limitations linked to the tenant’s intentions for property. For example, some potential tenants have wanted to install kennels at the property which has not been considered to be suitable.
“The proposed change of use is considered to be a suitable alternative use which will have minimal impact on the listed building. The aim of the proposals is to provide a home for up to four young people in care.
“The residential care to be provided is intended to mimic a home environment and, therefore, the existing residence is well suited to this use. In addition to the four residents there may be up to two staff requiring staying overnight.
“Staff and visitors are expected to drive to the property. There is ample parking provided on site and to the side of the private access road. On occasion when there was a meeting in relation to a resident there might be up to six cars parked at the property.”
