PROPOSALS that could see the conversion of a residential home to being used as a children’s home in Launceston have been put before Cornwall Council.

Smith Stewart Properties Ltd have applied to convert a property on Snowdrop Crescent to be used as a managed residential home for three primary school age children.

It would be staffed around the clock with a manager also on site.

The applicant’s planning agent told Cornwall Council: “The application is for a change of use of the existing house. The proposed layout retains the building’s footprint, internal arrangement and external elevations. No extension or external alteration is proposed. The house, driveway, garage and garden will retain their established domestic appearance.

“The home will accommodate no more than three children aged 7–11. Care will respond to each child’s needs, with staffing provided on a basis of one member of staff for every two children or one-to-one support where necessary.

“There will be two 12-hour care shifts each day and a manager on site between 9.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays. A maximum of three staff, including the manager, will be on site at any one time. Parking will be provided in the garage and on the driveway.

“Staff attendance, handovers and visits will be coordinated through the management of the home. The children will live at the property as their home, with everyday activities including meals, study, recreation and time in the garden. The Management Plan provides a proportionate framework for supervision, considerate arrivals and departures, parking and communication with neighbours.

“The proposal will provide specialist residential accommodation for children who require care and support. An established residential neighbourhood is an appropriate setting for a small home, allowing children to experience ordinary domestic routines within the community. The use of an existing house achieves this without new building works or an expansion of the site.”

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The plans can be viewed using reference PA26/07303 on the Cornwall Council planning portal.