Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s planning panel gave its approval on Thursday, March 26 to transform a substantial property in Blaina into a care facility for young people.

Aropa Care Group Ltd submitted plans to alter the designation of Mountain View in Highfield, Blaina from a standard residential dwelling to a residential care establishment. The building contains five bedrooms, four living areas and a walled garden. The facility would accommodate four children between the ages of eight and eighteen.

Planning officer Sophie Godfrey explained that a maximum of five employees would work in shifts to supervise the young people, with two staff members staying overnight without residing at the property.

Local residents had submitted multiple concerns about the scheme. The applicant aimed to establish an environment where staff and children coexist as a household unit. The officer maintained that the proposal would not create a more significant impact on neighbouring residents than would be generated by an ordinary large family occupying the premises. As such, the plans were not deemed to pose an adverse effect on nearby properties regarding privacy, noise or general disturbance.

Concerns were also raised regarding the absence of a pavement outside the property. However, it was noted that the dwelling has been established for more than 25 years and the council’s highways department raised no objections when consulted. Ms Godfrey put forward a recommendation for approval.

Councillor Peter Baldwin of the Labour party representing Nantyglo participated in discussions as the local ward member, which precluded him from voting on the matter. He questioned whether the highways officer’s guidance would differ were this a new construction project rather than a conversion.

Planning Development Team Manager Steph Hopkins responded that current regulations would require a footpath across the front of a newly constructed site. She noted that historical maps indicate the property has been present for over 40 years, during which time requirements for footway provision were considerably different.

Councillor Wayne Hodgins from the Opposition Independents representing Brynmawr emphasised that highway and pedestrian safety remained a priority. He inquired whether the developer could install signage to alert those leaving the premises to the presence of pedestrians.

Built Environment Infrastructure Services Team Manager Mark Hopkins acknowledged the valid point, stating that any existing problems in the area would already be known and the property had been there for an extended period. He confirmed the department would investigate the matter and indicated that should concerns be reported, the highway authority possessed the ability to install a warning sign if necessary.

Mrs Hopkins expressed the view that attaching a condition to the planning permission requiring a sign would not be appropriate. However, she suggested an informative note could be included advising users to remain mindful of road safety when departing the property.

The panel proceeded to vote and granted unanimous approval for the scheme.