If approved, the property on Hoylake Road in Moreton, will become a home for up to three children, with a manager or deputy and up to two carers sleeping overnight working on a rota basis.

A design and access report submitted by Rose Consulting on behalf of the applicant with the planning documents to Wirral Council stated that the property will be home to children diagnosed with learning disabilities and/or emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

The property is currently used for four adults with learning difficulties, with support staff sleeping overnight and others visiting each day.

According to the planning document, ‘the home will be registered with Ofsted as a specialist two-bedroomed children’s home. 

‘From the outside, there will be no change in the appearance or character of the five-bedroomed bungalow. In addition to OFSTED’s one visit per year, there will be visits by local social services every four to six weeks and one Regulation 44 each month.

Depending on the needs of the individual children, there may be occasional visits by other professionals. In addition, there may be visits by family members and friends, although these are carefully managed in advance.

The statement continued: “The purpose of the home would be to support the children in building their confidence, regulating their behaviour and emotions, helping them develop life skills, and preparing them for life when they leave the home to fend for themselves. 

“This type of support has been found to be most effective in helping these children lead normal lives and avoid problems in later life. 

“During the day it is expected that the child would engage in various activities, plus attend a mainstream, special school or engage in a bespoke individual education plan.

“The proposed children’s home seeks to replicate as closely as possible a normal family environment. Depending on the needs of the individual children, there may be occasional visits by other social workers. 

“The proposed use is to provide a stable home environment for the occupants. It would not be a ‘half way’ house or provide overnight emergency lodgings for example.

“The local authority is therefore respectfully requested to support the application to allow this much needed facility to be established.”

For more details on the plans, go to: https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=231362