A Sefton councillor has been given permission to open a children’s home in the borough, as long as she agrees only to accept children from the local authority.
Labour Cllr Nina Killen, who represents Ravenmeols, submitted a planning application to Sefton Council requesting permission for her company, Kilter Care Ltd, to change the use of a four bedroom house in Sonning Avenue, Litherland, from residential to a children’s home.
The home would accommodate up to three children aged between 16 and 18 in a supported living arrangement, with one carer staying overnight and working on a 48-hour rota basis according to planning documents.
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The application attracted objections from local residents and local councillors. A petition was also submitted with over 30 signatures endorsed by Cllr Ian Moncur.
According to a Sefton Council planning report, concerns included the possibility of anti social behavior, the establishment of a commercial premises in a residential area and concerns about additional parking, traffic and noise pressures.
The application was referred to the council’s planning committee, which met last Wednesday, March 15, to discuss the proposals.
One resident Colleen Simmons spoke against the application, telling the planning committee she represented 27 neighbours also opposed to the plans.
Ms Simmons said residents were concerned at the impact the home would have on the “quiet” community.
She said: “We feel like placing a commercial business within a residential area would cause harm to its character”.
She also added that the plans for a cycle rack in the front would “give the appearance of a commercial premises and risk attracting crime.”
Ms Simmons also referred to the fact the applicant was a borough councillor, stating she was concerned there was a “significant conflict of interest.”
One of the objections received referred to two planning applications previously refused by Sefton Council on the grounds of oversupply. Planning officers stated there were significant differences in the other applications, including the range and type of children’s home proposed.
Sefton’s children’s services commented on the proposals, stating that there was more need for children’s homes providing care than the type proposed by Cllr Killen’s company – which provides support only.
The comment added: “However, in recent conversations with Kilter Care they have formed a positive impression of the company and the company would like to work exclusively with Sefton” adding that the company’s “ambition” aligns with council priorities.
Cllr Paulette Lappin spoke in opposition to the proposals, stating all ward councils were against the plans. She said: “We just don’t think it’s an appropriate place” and referred to how the “condensed element of young people create different conditions.”
Cllr Lappin said she was concerned at the 48 hour shift pattern for staff and the potential for anti-social behaviour due to a “lack of supervision.”
She added: “The company has no track record. Once changed it will always be a children’s home, it could pass from one firm to another” with the council unable to control where children were placed from.
Cllr Killen said: “An important part of the application is that it’s a service that is going to be in Sefton for Sefton young people. We know as corporate parents these young people are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our borough and have some of the worst outcomes.”
She added: “We want to break that cycle and provide a service and home for these young people that are going to change lives and that is my aim for this service and my motivation for setting up this service.
“As councillors we do it because we want to change lives and I want to do something that makes a difference.”
Cllr Killen said that she would not be hands-on with the company as she had another role working for MP, Bill Esterson.
She added that after meeting with children’s services representatives they told her: “They said they’ve never known a provider they want to work with more, they were impressed with the offering.”
She said staff had run care homes before and had “masses of experience and passion” although the company itself was “inexperienced”.
Cllr Killen continued: “I’m doing this as a private citizen, I never wanted to use my position as a councillor for influence.”
She added: “My employees will be paid more than the foundation living wage, have better terms. I’ve looked at my own contract I’ve got with my job, I work with an MP in Sefton, and I want to be a good employer.”
Cllr Killen said that while she understood concerns of local residents she wanted to assure people it was not a “home for naughty boys.”
Addressing concerns over staff handovers, she said there would usually be one carer on site and a manger at “ad hoc times” with an extra space available for visitors and said she was happy to take out the bicycle stand if officers agreed.
Cllr Killen said: “The ethics is to put young people first. As corporate parents I know that is what we all want.”
Addressing a question about whether a condition could be included to ensure the company worked only with Sefton Council, legal advisor Neil Kennard said that a Section 106 agreement could be included which would also be “binding on future owners.”
Cllr Carran Waterfield questioned the track record of the company and how long it had been trading.
Cllr Killen said it had been running for 10 months and the company had acquired two other properties in Ormskirk and Kirkby, although none of the homes have yet taken in any children.
Cllr Ruth Bennett said she was also concerned at the 48 hour shift patterns referred to, with Cllr Killen responding that it was “standard” in the industry.
Cllr John Kelly said: “This is to help young people have a life of their own, what’s the problem?”
Members were then asked to vote on the plans, including a “unilateral agreement” to be included for the company to only accept children from Sefton Council and a condition removing the bicycle rack.
Following a vote, the plans were approved by nearly all councillors with only Cllr Waterfield voting against.
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