THURROCK Council has given the go ahead for a home in Grays to be used as assisted living accommodation for young people in care.
A certificate of lawfulness has been granted to turn 52 High View Avenue into an assisted living home for up to six people reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The mid-terrace home will provide care for three young people aged 12 to 16 with emotional behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities issues. A trained live in carer would also be based at the property.
The facility will help young people by providing a wide range of support tailored to each person’s needs. They will attend primary or secondary schools in the local area just like other children who are not in care.
Shared transport would be provided for all journeys to and from all educational, therapeutic and physical activity establishments. As in other households, it would be the carer’s responsibility to take the children to and from school and appointments.
A planning officer’s report said: “The proposed level of care would be low, with a maximum of four and no more then 6 individuals living together as a single household. A resident carer would serve as the head of the household, supported by non-resident carers who would visit the property approximately four times over a seven-day period.
“Additionally, visits from social workers or clinicians would occur around four times per month. While the exact number of staff is not specified, the low frequency of visits and support clearly indicate that the character and dynamics of the household- as a single, cohesive living arrangement- would remain unchanged.”
The property has a living room and kitchen located on the ground floor, while the reception room will provide an additional bedroom. There will be no external alterations to the property
The report added: “The residents would share facilities such a bathroom, kitchen, and garden and as such would live in a similar manner to tenants within a residential property.
“The level of activity at the site in association with proposed use would not be materially different to the existing use of this site and will not exceed six people.”
