New residential care home for autistic children planned in Sunderland
A community interest company supporting children and young people with autism is aiming to open a new residential care home on Wearside.
Include In Autism wants to convert a property known as Glenholme, off Queen Alexandra Road in Ashbrooke, into a permanent residential care home for up to two children aged five to 17 with autism and additional needs.
A submitted management plan confirms the property would operate as a “family-style residential home” if approved, with “placements generally being made for children of a similar age, developmental stage and support needs”.
The Ofsted-regulated home would also operate on a 24-hour basis with dedicated staffing available and visits normally taking place by prior arrangement.
The application for Glenholme follows a similar application from Include In Autism to open another residential children’s home at Highgate Cottage, off Durham Road in Barnes.
The separate application for the Ashbrooke site argues that the “combination of low occupancy, continuous staff supervision, carefully matched placements, structured operational procedures and proactive management will ensure the home operates harmoniously within the surrounding residential area”.
An accompanying design and access statement adds that the development would create a “valuable community asset” and provide much-needed specialist accommodation for young people with autism in a safe and supportive residential setting.
Other listed benefits included supporting children and young people to improve their health, wellbeing, stability, independence and quality of life, whilst also providing support for families and carers.
The design and access statement goes on: “The proposal will not give rise to any significant or demonstrable adverse impacts that would outweigh its considerable social, environmental, and economic benefits.
“Instead, it will secure the long-term future of a vacant property whilst delivering a much-needed specialist children’s residential care home that will make a lasting positive contribution to the lives of children and young people with autism, their families, and the wider Sunderland community.”
The property can accommodate two off-street parking spaces for staff and visitors within the enclosed grounds and also provides storage for cycles, encouraging sustainable travel for employees.
A decision on the home plan is expected following a public consultation.