If approved, the property on Kingsland Road in Birkenhead, will become a facility providing ‘essential care and support for local children with autism and learning disabilities’.
A letter submitted along with the planning documents on behalf of applicant Neurodiversity Limited to the authority stated that the proposed facility ‘will offer a nurturing, purpose-designed environment for young people with complex needs, allowing them to remain within their local community while receiving specialised care’.
The project is being led by three General Practitioners who bring ‘extensive experience’ in social care and residential childcare management to the initiative.
The letter continued: “Through extensive consultation with local placement teams in the Northwest the local, we have identified a significant gap in current provision for children with autism and learning disabilities in the Wirral area.
“The manager in the Wirral local authority stated that many children are forced to live in provision out of area, making their school travel times longer and contact with their support network more difficult. The home will provide residential care for three children. Staff will include qualified professionals specialised in autism and learning disability support.”
The small team of staff will working eight-hourly shifts with three staff on site at any time. There will be two staff present during evening shifts.
The facility will be designed to meet all current care standards and regulations No structural changes are planned to the building, which will resemble ‘a loving family home’.
Outlining the development’s ‘many’ benefits for the community, the letter added that it would provide essential services for local families, create skilled employment opportunities, reducing the need for out-of-area placements, contribute to the local economy through employment and service procurement and help children maintain strong connections with their families and local community.
There will be no external signage or obvious indicators that distinguish the property from other family homes in the area.
The home will operate with the same level of activity and noise as would be expected from a typical family residence.
The letter concluded: “We are committed to ensuring minimal disruption to neighbouring properties through our careful approach to service delivery.
“Our facility is designed to replicate a family home environment, and on the face of it, we will look no different to any large family household on the street.
“This proposal represents a significant investment in Wirral’s children’s services infrastructure, directly addressing identified gaps in provision whilst contributing to local economic development through job creation, skills development, and community partnerships.
“The facility will serve as a model for local service delivery, keeping children within their community whilst providing specialist care that meets their complex needs.
“We are committed to ongoing community engagement and will establish a community liaison group to ensure continued dialogue with local residents and stakeholders throughout the development and operation of the facility.”
To read the plans in full, click here