Copyright dailyrecord
Plans to convert a bungalow into a care home for teenagers have won planning consent despite neighbours’ fears. The bungalow in Armadale’s South Street will be converted to form residential care for up to four youngsters from troubled backgrounds. Neighbours had raised concerns about a property in Denny run by the same organisation FTS Care which was criticised in a report from the Care Inspectorate. Addressing West Lothian’s Development Management committee, and an objector, the director of FTS Care, Derek Scott, moved to assure children in his group’s care were “not criminal”, but vulnerable teens who needed stability and support. FTS Care applied for a change of use to convert the bungalow at South Street, Armadale, for residential care use. In a report to the DMC planners recommended granting permission with conditions. It added: “The proposal seeks to change the use of the existing dwelling to a care facility accommodating up to four young children on a long-term residential basis. “The premises will be supervised at all times by two members of staff, along with a residential manager, including overnight cover. The facility will operate in accordance with the regulations set by the Care Inspectorate.” Speaking for neighbours- ten of whom objected to the plan- Jim McCulloch told the meeting the neighbours of other facilities managed by FTS Care had experienced anti-social behaviour and suggested police recognised such facilities brought anti-social behaviour to areas. He added: “This property sits between Mayfield and Bathville, a known drug route. The Moss is a common meeting place at the rear of this property. Both the police and fire brigade have been called out to the Moss on a regular basis over the last few years. “This environment is an inappropriate place for vulnerable young people. The voices and experiences of local residents must be taken into account.” Neighbours had also voiced concerns about increased traffic and crime in a residential area where most residents were of retirement age. Mr Scott said the average stay of a teen with FTS was “four to five years” which provided the stability for further education and future adult life. He added: “I’d like to address some of the residents’ concerns, which I truly understand. “The house will be staffed 24/7. There will be three staff on day shift, two staff on backs shift and two staff on night shift. There is one members of staff always on sleepover. “There’s a misconception about theft and causing trouble. These children are not from a criminal background, or they wouldn’t be with us, They are from a disturbed family breakdown [background] and need the support. It’s trauma based, not criminal based. I just want to make that really clear.” He stressed: “All staff are highly trained and it is regulated by the Care Inspectorate.” Chairing the meeting Councillor Harry Cartmill asked if Mr Scott had any comment on the concerns raised by neighbours regarding the Denny site. Mr Scott replied: “here were issues around the management structure within that site. We have addressed these, we have put a new team in there, we have invested and worked with Falkirk council. We have had an inspection since then and we got a high grade. They are more than happy with what happened. We have invested in training and staff into that particular house. “It was a period of time we had to reflect on and we have worked with the council and Care Inspectorate. He added: “As a company of 16 years we fully acknowledge resident concerns and we are more than happy to work with neighbours to build trust. “They see the benefits of a local child being able to stay with the community where they are still close to family friends, and importantly, schooling.” Councillor Pauline Clark echoed a comment raised by Councillor Tom Conn about concerns often raised when homes were sold, about who the new neighbours would be. “Here we know we know somewhat of what we are going to get. I think the most important thing about this is that it’s an opportunity for some of our most vulnerable children to be homed and housed. “I would hope that neighbours can get behind this and that these children are welcomed into the community because I think that’s the circumstances where they will flourish. She added that she recognised neighbour concerns but added regulations were in place. “I think is a good opportunity for West Lothian for children to be housed close to families and schools.” Councillor Cartmill said :”I have been pretty much reassured by Mr Scott about the safeguards put in place.” His proposal to grant permission was seconded by Councillor Clark. Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
