Plans for an assessment centre for vulnerable parents and their children where there are Child Protection concerns and/or risks to safety of a child have not been backed by Thanet councillors.
Members of the planning committee discussed an application by The Borrowdale Family Centre for a change of use of a seven-bed home in Laleham Road, Margate, where it aimed to provide short term (12 weeks) supported residential accommodation for vulnerable parents and babies to live while parenting skills are assessed and developed.
But the proposal had created concerns among residents in the road, with one telling the committee that: “The idea this is just mums and babies quietly living there is just fantasy.”
He said it would be bringing people with “chaotic lifestyles” and attract drug dealers, violent boyfriends and ‘unpredictable’ behaviour to the street.
Worries were highlighted by Kent Police recommendations for extensive security including CCTV, boundary fences to be 1.8m in height, gates to be securely lockable from both sides, staff to carry personal attack alarms and in some instances body worn cameras for safety purposes.
The resident told the committee that approving the application would be asking residents to “take the risk.”
Concerns were echoed by some on the committee, with Cllr Steve Albon saying the suggested security measures were “scary.”
He added: “In effect we are looking at a prison for the people in there and I am concerned it will make it a prison for the residents that live either side of it as well.”
However, Cllr Heather Keen did not agree with that view.
She said: “There is a fundamental misunderstanding about what a family assessment centre is, I know because I have worked in one.
“We have two in a residential road in Minster and there are no problems there.
“To go in a family assessment centre, parents need help with parenting but they have to sign up to have that assessment, they will not be recommended if they are using drugs or alcohol.
“What we have got are vulnerable families that do need support in parenting and social services need security of knowing a child is being well cared for.”
Cllr Keen said she was surprised at the police security suggestions but added that CCTV would provide for everyone’s safety (parents, staff and residents).
She added that any resident causing antisocial behaviour would be moved out.
She added: “I think it is an important facility to have for parents in our area that need help with parenting.”
Her view of the service was supported by councillors including Jill Bayford and Kristian Bright and planning committee chairperson Cllr Helen Crittenden.
However, other concerns were raised about parking and increased traffic and the quality of the accommodation being proposed.
Cllr Becky Wing questioned why no adaptations were proposed for the property to provide en-suite bathrooms, a second kitchen and a playroom.
She said: “We are desperate for facilities like this but if it is going to be a proper, state of the art facility that really makes a difference to vulnerable people it needs appropriate adaptations.”
She added that the quality of living would be a safeguarding issue.
Planning officers had recommended approval but councillors instead agreed to defer the application to officers to bring back to the committee with possible reasons for refusal focused on public safety and impact on living conditions.
The Borrowdale Family Centre had hoped to accommodate four parent and child placement referred from the courts, solicitors, Local Authorities and/or guardians and proposed three staff members 24/7: working 12 hour shifts from 8am to 8pm and 8pm to 8am.
The Borrowdale Family Centre Ltd was incorporated on 4 November 2023 with the registered office in London. It does not yet have submitted accounts or a dedicated website.
