Residents on Queen’s Crescent are expressing concern and disappointment after city council approval of a second children’s care home on their small residential road. The decision, made during a recent planning committee meeting, allows for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to be converted into a care facility for children aged between seven and 17. This marks the second such care home approved on the street, with the previous application receiving consent just two months earlier, leaving residents worried about the impact on their neighbourhood.
The approval of the latest facility came only days after the first home was given the green light in August, raising questions about the process among local residents and city councillors alike.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Parking and Outdoor Space
While most locals recognise the importance of care homes for vulnerable children, they argue that Queen’s Crescent is an unsuitable location due to limited parking, lack of outdoor garden space, and potential changes to the area’s character. During the committee meeting, local councillors representing the area expressed reservations about the new proposal. They raised concerns that the second care home, which will also operate with staff present at all times, might overwhelm the small street, which already faces parking constraints. They also pointed out the limited availability of garden space, which they deemed insufficient for young residents’ needs.
One councillor described the timing of the two applications as “strategic,” suggesting it might have been an attempt to avoid drawing attention to the overall impact of having two such facilities in close proximity. They further argued that the two applications should have been combined into a single proposal, allowing a more comprehensive assessment of the cumulative effects on the community.
Community Worries Over Neighbourhood Character
Many local residents share a sense of unease about the changes these care homes could bring to their community. One resident expressed frustration over the decision, highlighting that while they understand the necessity of care homes, this particular location seems far from ideal. They emphasised the limited outdoor space, which they believe could impact the children’s well-being and the quality of life on the street.
Others are concerned that the care homes could alter the neighbourhood’s character, affecting the type of people who might consider moving into the area. For some, the issue extends beyond property values; it is about how potential residents perceive the area and what effect the presence of two children’s care facilities might have on the street’s overall appeal.
One resident noted the impact on a neighbour’s attempt to sell their property, which reportedly fell through shortly after the first care home was approved. They explained that having care facilities nearby could change people’s perceptions of the street and make it harder for current residents to sell their homes in the future.
Divided Council Decision
The planning committee ultimately approved the second care home by a narrow margin. The facility will house three children, who will have full access to the property, except for areas designated for staff, such as an office and a bedroom, which will be kept locked for security reasons. While some councillors spoke out against the application, others highlighted the urgent need for children’s care facilities, suggesting that these homes provide a necessary service for vulnerable youth.
Following the approval, some residents expressed a willingness to collaborate with the care home operators in hopes of making the transition as smooth as possible. One local remarked that, despite reservations, discussions with the care home’s manager had been constructive, fostering some optimism that the community might be able to address concerns together.
Awaiting Ofsted’s Approval
The second care home must still gain approval from Ofsted, which will assess whether the facility meets necessary standards. Of particular interest to residents and officials is whether the limited outdoor space will meet regulatory requirements for children’s care homes. The planning committee chair acknowledged that while the council’s role is to grant planning permission, it is Ofsted’s responsibility to ensure the facility’s suitability for its intended use.
Rising Demand for Care Facilities Amid Local Concerns
Lincoln, like other cities in the UK, is facing increased demand for children’s care facilities, driven by a need to provide safe and supportive environments for children who cannot live with their families. These facilities offer essential services for young people who, due to various reasons, require alternative living arrangements. As this demand grows, local councils are increasingly faced with the challenge of balancing the need for such homes with the concerns of local communities.
The approval of a second care home on Queen’s Crescent has left some residents frustrated, but many also recognise the importance of finding a way forward. The case has prompted calls for a more integrated approach in the planning process, especially when multiple applications are submitted for the same neighbourhood. Some residents have suggested that the council consider broader impacts when making planning decisions, particularly when it comes to facilities that could change the dynamic of residential areas.
As the care home prepares for its opening, residents remain cautiously hopeful that a collaborative approach will help mitigate their concerns. Much will depend on Ofsted’s assessment, and how the operators respond to feedback from the community. For now, residents are waiting to see how the facility integrates into the neighbourhood, with hopes that any potential issues can be addressed proactively.
Ultimately, Queen’s Crescent residents share a desire to support vulnerable children, but they also want to ensure that their street remains a viable and welcoming place for all who live there. The balance between meeting the needs of care facilities and preserving the character of local communities remains a complex challenge for councils and residents alike.
