PLANS have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council to change the use of a house to supported residential accommodation for up to three young people upon leaving care.

A planning application has been prepared by Emery Planning on behalf of care and education provider, Keys Group Ltd.

The application seeks confirmation that the proposed use of 35 Thompson Street East, Darlington, as residential accommodation for up to three young people aged 16 and over with one member of Keys support staff, would not be materially different to the property’s current lawful use as a dwellinghouse.

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The report states: "There is a need for this type of provision; the applicant has an existing contract with Darlington Social Services to provide support to vulnerable young people once they leave residential care, until they live independently.

"The proposed use would contribute towards this need and is supported by the council who wish to continue with the existing contract."

It is a terraced property with accommodation over two floors. On the ground floor there is a separate dining room, lounge, kitchen and family bathroom.

At first floor level there are three bedrooms and a toilet. The rear courtyard area is fully enclosed.

The proposed use would provide up to three young people (aged 16 years and over) with a minimum level of support, provided by one member of Keys support staff, who would support toward the next stage of living independently.

Placements would be provided for young people in care and supported by Darlington Social Services.

The report adds: "A support worker would be based at the property 24 hours a day (working on a shift basis) but given that the would not be their home, the property would not be occupied by a “single household”.

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"The support worker would provide advice and guidance to the resident young people on living independently and running a household.

"Only one member of support staff would be required to prepare them independent living.

"For the proposed use, the young people would be supported 24/7, whereas in a “traditional” family home, older teenagers maybe left unsupervised from time to time. It is therefore likely that any noise or disturbance would not be materially different than could be expected if the dwelling were occupied by a family."