Plans to Convert Stafford Supported Living Home into Children's Care Home

A planning application has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council to change the use of a supported living home in a residential area of Stafford into a specialist children's care home.

The application (Ref: 25/41008/FUL) proposes to change 22 Avon Rise, Stafford, ST16 3XR, from its current use as a supported living facility for four adults (Class C3b) into a children's care home for up to three children (Class C2). The application was validated by the council on 9th September 2025 and is currently "Awaiting decision".

About the Applicant

The applicant is Harmony Childcare Residential Homes Limited, described in the planning statement as a "specialist provider of services for children and young people across the Staffordshire area". The organisation states it has operated for over eight years, is registered with OFSTED, and currently holds a 'Good' rating. The senior management team is noted as having a combined 75 years' experience in children's services, with a commitment to "delivering high-quality residential care within safe, warm, and nurturing environments" for children and young adults aged 8-24.

Proposed ground floor plan

Reason for the Proposal

The planning statement, submitted by agents Knights, argues there is an identified need for this specialist accommodation locally. It highlights a document which states that, on average, children in care in the West Midlands are located 20 miles from their home. The report adds that many existing care home places in the region are "occupied by children who live further afield," which means new local children taken into care are "forced be placed further away from their homes".

The management team has consulted extensively with the Commissioning Team at Staffordshire County Council, including Shahid Munir (Business Manager) and Bernie Brown (Director of Children’s Services). The Council’s commissioning teams have indicated a local need for the service subject of this proposed change of use, recognising the significant demand for local placements

Proposed first floor plan

Impact on the Property, Parking, and Wildlife

The proposal is for a change of use only, with no physical alterations planned for the property.

• Parking and Physical Changes: The submitted Habitat Regulations Assessment confirms the proposal will result in "no increase in the size of the building, any increase the amount of hardstanding on the site or a change in the function of the property's domestic curtilage". The property will remain in use as living accommodation, simply for three children with associated carers instead of the current four adults.

• Wildlife and Environment: As the property is located within 15km of the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a formal assessment was required. The submitted report confirms that the site itself is not located within any statutory or non-statutory protected habitat sites. It concludes that the change of use "would not adversely any protected habitats" and therefore complies with local and national environmental policies.

  
  

The application is now under consideration by planning officers at Stafford Borough Council. If you wish to support or object to this application, you can do so by visiting the application on the Borough Council planning portal here