Ipswich council to refuse children's care home plan again

The house, which was formerly used as an Airbnb, is situated in Coniston Square East in the Priory Heath area of the town.

Earlier in the year, plans were submitted to the council to change the same property into a children's home but these were refused in May due to "inadequate information".

In October, fresh plans were submitted for the site in a second attempt to convert the home, with documents showing what the proposed floor plan is.

It was refused by everyone in the council meeting with one abstention, even though it was recommended for approval by officers prior to the meeting. 

The plans show three bedrooms for three children, all ensuite and a staff bedroom with a staff room, living room and a kitchen and dining room.

Applicant Chima Philip told the council: "People should enjoy applications to bring a new children’s home. 

"It is important that such homes come in which can be put in local authority boundaries."

However, several councillors objected to the plans, talking about objections previously put in place by Suffolk Constabulary and a Suffolk County Council officer who said they would not put in children in this home even if it is approved by the borough council. 

Sam Murray objected to the proposal given her store is close to the locality. (Image: Newsquest) Councillor Sam Murray said that her own store is close to the area for Airbnb, and she does not feel this would be an appropriate location for vulnerable children. 

She said: "I have got concerns about the age, these are older children, from 11 to 18 years old, who have the option to venture out, but if these were younger children you can protect them.

"There are risks in that area for teenagers, I am a bit uncomfortable that this is a low to medium-risk area for children."

Fellow councillor Carole Jones agreed to this point of view as well while talking about her objection to the plans. 

Meanwhile, councillors Oliver Holmes and Colin Kreidewolf said that while it would be beneficial to house children close to where they lived originally, there are several issues at this property. 

There were also concerns raised about a lack of communication with Ofsted and no management plan being submitted to the council.