A house near Christchurch Park in Ipswich could soon be transformed into a children’s home, according to new plans.

Proposals have been submitted which suggest converting five-bedroom house in Constable Road into a residential home for children.

The application has been submitted by Compass Children’s Homes, which has residential homes for children around the country, including in the Ipswich area.

According to Compass’ website, the organisation strives to make its premises a real home for the children and young people who live there.

It describes its sites as “a home where our brilliant teams provide substitute parenting for children and young people who experience a range of behavioural and emotional difficulties."

It adds: "A home where we find out how a child would like their bedroom decorated before they arrive. A home where we encourage our children to get involved in activities, a home in which we learn, listen, guide and care”.

According to a planning and heritage statement prepared by Alder King planning consultants, the proposed home in Constable Road would provide care for up to five young people requiring care to enable them to develop family living, independence and other social skills.

“They will normally be educated at one of the applicant’s schools, where suitable education and training can be provided,” the statement explained.

“Therefore, the character of this proposed use will remain very much residential and akin to occupation by a large family.”

The statement said that at least two members of staff will be on site at all times when the young people are present, but that there will be times when it is unoccupied, such as during school hours.

The statement concluded: “In effect, the daily operation of the home will be undiscernible to that of a large dwellinghouse with the young person’s coming and going for education purposes and the adults coming and going for work purposes.”

Ipswich Borough Council will makes its decision in due course.