New Children’s Residential Home Approved For Sandown

A new children’s residential home has been given the green light in Sandown, providing what has been described as “vital accommodation” for young people on the Isle of Wight.

Next Wave Care Group (NWCG) has secured permission to convert a house in the Bay area into a four-bedroom home, following approval from the Isle of Wight Council.

The provider, which already runs supported accommodation and residential care across the Island, said its services aim to create “warm, safe, and therapeutic environments that empower young people to flourish independently into adulthood.”

The Sandown property will house up to four children, with three en-suite bedrooms, a main bathroom, sensory room, lounge, dining room, kitchen, staff room and downstairs WC.

Importantly, planners stressed the home will retain the appearance and feel of a single-family house rather than an institutional setting.

A planning statement said the project has the “significant support” of the Isle of Wight Council’s children’s social care department.

Not everyone supported the plans, however.

Island Roads raised concerns about a lack of parking provision, while Sandown resident Sally McConkey objected, citing traffic issues and worries about the suitability of the location.

In its decision report, the council acknowledged local concerns but said there is a “clear identified need” for children’s care home provision on the Island.

Planners concluded that both the location and building were appropriate, and attached three conditions to ensure compliance with legislation and planning policy, while protecting neighbours and future residents.