Children’s home approved on appeal for Crook property

The facility at New Road, Crook, has been approved by a planning inspector despite the authority’s safety concerns. 

Durham County Council’s planning committee voted down the plans after hearing from residents who were fearful of increased crime in the area after a spate of incidents. 

But now, an inspector has ruled that the location of the children’s home is “suitable” and would not directly lead to disorder. 

Oliver Knowles, of Karoo Group Limited, applied to convert the property, known as Applegarth, to accommodate up to two children, with carers working shifts to provide 24-hour care. 

Durham Constabulary and the council’s children and young people’s services raised no objections to the proposal, stating that there is a need for smaller children’s homes in the area. 

But Mr Knowles faced opposition from 31 letters of objection and Crook’s Reform county councillor, Robbie Roddis. 

Other concerns noted the high number of crime incidents reported in Crook, including within Glenholme Park and the grounds of Lidl, which are a short walk from the property. 

Cllr Roddis said: “Crook is a town that has sadly gained a reputation over several years for anti-social activity. Due to these activities, it has been the subject of several countrywide reports concerning the criminality of a growing minority.  

“We all have a responsibility to children. Applegarth is not the solution to this responsibility and certainly will cause more issues than it is expected to solve.”

Joy Allen, Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Commissioner, also warned that children from outside the area could be housed inside the facility and that responding to incidents could take up a large amount of police resources.

But the inspector said it could not refuse the proposal based on the concerns. 

The decision read: “I acknowledge perceived fears of some residents about the potential for antisocial behaviour, arising from the use of the property as a children’s home. 

“It is possible that some of the children living in the property may need additional support, but there is no reason to doubt that they would be properly cared for and assisted.

“I do not find that it would be reasonable to refuse planning permission, based upon the perceived fears of some, about possible anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.”

“There is also no substantive evidence to suggest that children living in the home would affect police resources any more than children living in a family home.”

Do you agree with the decision? Have your say in the comments.