New Children’s Residential Home Approved For Sandown

A new residential home providing vital accommodation for children is set to open in Sandown.

The Isle of Wight Council has approved a change of use application by Next Wave Care Group (NWCG) to convert a house in the Bay area into supported accommodation.

The provider already runs services across the Island, offering what it describes as “warm, safe and therapeutic environments” to help young people flourish into adulthood.

Its work supports looked-after children, unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors, care leavers, and those with complex needs or learning disabilities.

Plans show the home will include four bedrooms – three with en-suites – as well as a main bathroom, sensory room, lounge, dining room, kitchen, carers’ room and downstairs WC.

A planning statement stressed the property would retain the appearance and feel of a family home, rather than an institution.

The council’s children’s social care department backed the scheme, saying it meets a clear need for additional care home provision on the Island.

However, Island Roads objected to the application, citing a lack of on-site parking.

Local resident Sally McConkey, a former foster carer, also raised concerns about parking pressures in the area and questioned whether Sandown was an appropriate location for such a facility.

Despite the objections, planners ruled the building and site were suitable.

The approval comes with three conditions to protect both neighbouring amenity and the wellbeing of children living at the home.