Isle of Wight children's home plan for East Cowes house

Mr and Mrs Surman have submitted a planning application to County Hall for a change of use of a residential property in East Cowes.

The existing four storey property has been used as a family home by the applicants for several years, according to a statement from SJC Planning.

It says the building will be managed and operated by Nucleus Horizons who have a fully registered children’s home in Southampton.

“The applicants operate a similar children’s home in Southampton, fully registered, staffed and able to provide care, opportunities and attention to those in need,” the document notes.

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“It is considered that the benefit of providing a children’s care home such as this would be of great benefit to the Island community, providing registered and licensed premises that provide the local authority, and above all, children in crisis, with a caring home.”

SJC Planning says Mrs Surman has significant experience and expertise in social care and considers the property would give disadvantaged children the best opportunities in what are otherwise often ‘very upsetting situations’.

The property will gain full OFSTED accreditation following planning permission, according to the consultancy.

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 26/00621/FUL ends on June 15 and a decision is expected on July 3.