Efforts by Winscombe villagers to prevent the establishment of a children’s home in their community have been unsuccessful, despite strong local opposition.
North Somerset Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the conversion of a six-bedroom house in the village into a children’s home accommodating three children in care. While there is a recognised need for such facilities, many residents expressed fears that the new home would disrupt the village’s peaceful character.
A total of 57 objections were submitted, with numerous opponents attending the committee meeting in person. James Harvey, speaking on behalf of those opposing the plan, emphasised Winscombe’s tranquil nature and voiced concerns about how residents with “troubled backgrounds” and staff working at the home might disturb the community’s calm.
READ MORE: Licence Approved for Frome Carnival Street Party and Graffiti Workshop
READ MORE: Somerset Resident Cautions Against Sharp Increases in Parking Charges
He remarked: “Many of us relocated here to escape the anti-social behaviour and disruption common in urban areas such as Bristol, seeking a peaceful setting to work from home and raise our families.”
Mr Harvey clarified that he was not against children’s homes in principle but believed that Winscombe was an unsuitable location. He told the committee: “These children deserve more than an isolated, standardised solution far from essential infrastructure and amenities.”
Currently, due to a shortage of local facilities, some children are placed far from North Somerset.
Katie Bailey, head of care and family connections at the council’s children’s services department, explained that various locations were considered before deciding on Winscombe. She stated: “We want the best for our children and aim for them to live within North Somerset in family-oriented environments.”
Winscombe Parish Council supported the proposal. However, the issue divided the village’s two representatives on North Somerset Council. Councillor Joe Tristram raised unresolved concerns over privacy, safeguarding, and the building’s suitability during the committee meeting. In contrast, Councillor Tom Nicholson, who serves on the planning committee, expressed his support, drawing on his own childhood experience living next to a children’s home and noting it was not disruptive.
Planning committee member Timothy Snaden, who spent part of his childhood in a children’s home, also commented positively on the proposed facility, stating it appeared more favourable than his former accommodation.
The approved plan includes provisions for round-the-clock staff presence, staggered shift changes to mitigate rush-hour traffic, and assurances that residents will not face disturbances such as loud parties-risks often linked to privately owned properties on the open market.
Catherine Gibbons, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services and a planning committee member, did not participate in the debate or vote due to a conflict of interest. After the meeting, she expressed satisfaction with the outcome and highlighted the importance of addressing residents’ concerns. She emphasised the diverse backgrounds of children in care, noting: “Not all children enter care from urban areas; many come from villages. This provision offers them a stable, family-like environment where they can thrive.”