Plans for new children's home specialising in youngsters with autism spectrum disorders have been submitted to Sunderland development chiefs

Sunderland City Council received a planning application for a building known as the ‘Miners Lodge’, off Market Crescent, in the city’s Shiney Row ward, earlier this month (December).

The plans, from Hexagon Care Services Ltd, include converting the building from a residential property to a children’s care home with an “integrated school for residents”.

Hexagon Care provides specialist care and education across the country at around 50 different locations, including 12 school sites.

According to planning documents, the new facility in Sunderland would be aimed at young people with autism spectrum disorders.

Proposed plans for the site show how the building would be subdivided, with staff facilities, lounge areas, a kitchen, a sensory room, bathroom facilities and two classrooms at ground floor level.

On the first floor, plans show four bedrooms and ‘staff bedrooms’ as well as bathroom and shower facilities.

Proposals also include converting a garage into a food tech area, multifunctional space and an office and wellbeing room.

A design and access statement confirms the school would be registered with the Department for Education and subject to Ofsted monitoring and would offer “broad and balanced lessons based upon the National Curriculum”.

There would also be a large team of staff working at the building, including staff sleeping overnight, as well as ten car parking spaces being retained.

The design and access statement adds: “The proposed development is consistent with the thrust of national planning policy, where significant weight should be given to the provision of new schools for special needs.

“The proposal responds to an existing demand in the community and will deliver important social and economic benefit, in a sustainable location.”

According to a planning application submitted to council officials, the children’s home and school plan would include 20 full-time employees.

A decision on the scheme is expected to be made next year, following the end of a council consultation on the scheme.

For more information on the application, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal and search reference: 22/02651/FUL