Plans have been lodged with Powys County Council to convert a seven-bedroom property in the south of the county into a private residential children's care home.

The change of use planning application has been submitted by Portsmouth-based Fair Ways Community Benefit Society and is for Cefnmeusydd, Morgan Street in Caehopkin, a village to the east of Abercrave, on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

If approved, up to four children and young people aged between six and 18 years old would live at the property.

Caehopkin
A satellite image of where the proposed children's care home would be (Copyright: UK Grid Reference Finder) (.)

Planning agents BJC planning explained the proposal.

BJC planning said: “It is an imposing detached seven bedroom property surrounded by a large lawned garden in a semi-rural location.

“Whilst it is Fair Ways’ belief that the use proposed is not materially different to a family dwelling, the local planning authority (Powys County Council) has determined that planning permission is required.

“The four residents will be assisted in their daily lives by a number of care staff, with typically between two and five on site at any one time.

“The nature of the care provided will vary over time, depending on the ages and abilities of the residents, ranging from the skills normally performed by a parent, (such as) feeding, socialising, transporting to school and social activities, to more specialist skills associated with any health or disability issues.

“The children may be in attendance from periods as short as three months to as long as three years.

“The overall aim of this care will be to provide a stable family environment for those in care.”

Fair Ways also operate two care homes in Powys around 15 miles north at Heol Senni.

They also operate an outdoor activities facility at Resolven near Neath.

BJC planning said: “Hence Abercrave is ideally suited to provide easy access for the residents to the facilities at Resolven.

“This mutual proximity, including the availability of trained staff within the vicinity, is helpful when any staff are unwell or specific additional needs arise.”

The add that “collectively” staff from the four locations will work together for the benefit of the young people they care for.

A decision on the application is expected by August 13.