Nelson house could become care home for two children

The application seeks permission to change the use of 34-36 Albert Street from a family home to a small care facility accommodating a maximum of two children or young people who require support.

According to the planning statement, the home would operate on a one-to-one care model, with two staff members on site at any one time and round-the-clock support provided through 12-hour shifts.

Applicants say no internal or external building work is proposed, meaning the property's appearance would remain unchanged.

The statement says: "The proposal is for a carefully managed home for a maximum of two children or young people who require care and support."

Residents would live at the property as their main home and receive support with day-to-day living, education, healthcare and community activities. The applicant stresses the facility would not operate as a public service, day centre, clinic or office.

Planning documents state the care home would be deliberately small-scale and designed to retain a domestic feel.

They add: "To outward appearance the premises will continue to read as an ordinary residential property."

The four-bedroom property includes several communal living areas, a kitchen, dining room and rear yard. Although all four bedrooms would remain, planning documents make clear the home would be limited to two young residents.

To address potential concerns from neighbours, the applicant says there would be no institutional signage, public access, group activities, or significant visitor numbers. Staff handovers would be managed to minimise noise and disturbance.

Parking would continue to rely on on-street spaces in the surrounding area, with the applicant estimating around four staff arrivals and four departures each day linked to shift changes.

In its conclusion, the planning statement argues the proposal would provide a suitable home for vulnerable young people while having no unacceptable impact on nearby residents or the surrounding area.