Proposal for new children's home in Glemsford granted planning approval

Planners have granted permission for a change of use of a house in Bells Lane, Glemsford, into a five-bed children’s home.

The application was made by PSS Care Group, which owns three residential children’s homes in Essex, all regulated by Ofsted with overall good ratings.

PSS said it believed Glemsford was an ideal place because of its facilities, such as schools and surgeries.

In a planning statement, the company said: "When selecting a property for a children’s home, we ensure we are looking at what the location has to offer and how having a house located within the area would assist in safeguarding the children and young people placed with us.

"We contribute back to the community by investing our time and money using facilities locally available."

Glemsford Parish Council initially objected to the application, before supporting it at its last meeting. There were 15 objections and two submissions supporting the plan.

Bells Lane resident Richard Shipley said his home’s buyer had withdrawn from the sale after finding out about the application.

He said: “Our agents have advised us that the proposals will substantially devalue our property.”

But Madeline Bennett, who lives adjacent to the home, said: “This is a children’s home, where children need support of the local communities.

“With my grandchildren having all been raised here, I couldn’t recommend Glemsford highly enough as a village.”

The plan was approved by Babergh District Council on Monday.