Plans have come forward for a residential care centre for vulnerable youngsters to replace an existing Angus service branded no longer fit for purpose.
Land on the edge of Carnoustie has been identified by care provider New Breaks Ltd as a suitable location for two units to provide round-the-clock supervision for clients up to the age of 25.
The company already provides services to Angus Council and has now submitted a bid for planning permission in principle for the site south of Muirdrum junction on Carnoustie’s Carlogie Road.
New Breaks operates a residential home at Carmyllie, near Arbroath.
In its planning submission the firm said it suffered from poor access for visitor, staff and emergency vehicles and was in need of “considerable investment”.
The firm said: “As the house does not belong to the company the significant investment required in the existing premises is not considered viable or feasible.
“Further, due to the location of the cottage, internet access is extremely poor, rendering it difficult to utilise the positive aspects of internet access for both staff and children and young people.
“In addition, the service’s referrals are predominantly young people who are approaching adulthood rather than younger children and the existing site is considered too remote to enable residents to develop independent living skills, an essential element of the overall aim of the service which seek to develop young people capable of living self-sufficiently within society. “
Angus Council social work department has lodged a letter of support for the new application, which would also feature a small paddock for equestrian use.
The two blocks would comprise residential accommodation for a maximum of two children or young adults aged from eight to 21, with 24-hour care and supervision, and an independent living facility for one person aged 18-21.
The applicants say the site’s proximity close to Carnoustie will offer a number of advantages, but with no immediate neighbours there should be no conflict or amenity loss.
“Being positioned on the periphery of Carnoustie will also assist with a range of risk factors: including the ease with which young people can abscond from the houses, sexual exploitation, limited access to negative peer groups and breaches in confidentiality,” the firm added.
The site would employ five people, with two staff members on site throughout the day and one during the night.
Planners will consider the application in due course.
