‘Vital’ New Children’s Home Approved In East Newport

A ‘vital’ new children’s home has been approved for a four-bedroom house on the outskirts of Newport, responding to what has been described as an ‘urgent local need’.

Milford Del Support Agency has been granted permission to change the use of a residential property in East Newport, allowing it to provide care and accommodation for children and young people under the age of 18.

Figures from March 2023 show that 38.6 per cent of the 295 children in the care of the Isle of Wight Council were living off the Island, according to the authority’s placements and commissioning manager.

In its decision report, the council said the proposal is unlikely to harm neighbouring residents.

“With any residential use there is the potential for some noise and disturbance,” the report stated.

“However, given the size of the property and the scale of the use indicated, it is considered the proposed use would be unlikely to harm neighbouring amenity.

“Whilst there is likely to be some comings and goings associated with the proposed use, including staff changeovers and visitors, such activity is unlikely to be much greater than that associated with a dwellinghouse of this size.”

Milford Del is an Isle of Wight-based, family-run care provider which already operates several similar homes across the Island.

A planning statement submitted by BCM Wilson Hill said there is a clear demand for additional residential care locally.

“There is an identified and urgent local need for additional children’s residential accommodation on the Isle of Wight,” the statement said.

“This is confirmed by correspondence from the council’s placements and commissioning manager, who has expressed full support for the proposal.”

The manager added previously:

“This initiative is a vital step toward meeting the urgent need for local care provision for vulnerable children, allowing them to remain within their community and benefit from greater stability and support.

“Currently, the Isle of Wight faces a significant shortfall in residential care options, which has led to a high number of children being placed in facilities off the Island.”

Three neighbouring residents objected to the plans, raising concerns about the suitability of the location, the impact on the area’s character, increased traffic, and staff movements.

Despite this, the application was approved with two conditions attached, aimed at ensuring planning policy compliance and protecting the character of the area, neighbouring amenity, and the wellbeing of future residents.