South Tyneside residents invited to have a say on possible plans to convert former B&B into children's home

In plans first submitted to South Tyneside Council in 2018, care provider Artemis Support Ltd proposed turning the former bed and breakfast on Bede Burn Road, Jarrow into a care home for boys with emotional needs and mild learning disabilities.

However the application was withdrawn last year following a number of objections from local residents, with some citing potential problems with "volatile" children and parking.

But there was also support for the plans, with many backing Artemis for providing the children with a “secure” environment.

The North East-run organisation already operates three children homes and is seeking to expand their services into South Tyneside with a support facility for up to four children aged five to 17.

Now they are hoping to engage directly with the community about the project, ahead of submitting a new planning application.

If successful, there would be no physical alterations to the building other than internal redecoration, which would include several bedrooms, communal areas and a sensory room.

Leaflets are currently being distributed in the local area and a public consultation event at the end of the month will give residents the chance to have their say, as well as hearing first hand about the work Artemis does.

Bosses including the company’s operations director and head of care will be at the property from 3pm-6pm on Wednesday, January 22 to answer any questions and discuss the views of those living in the vicinity.

Mr Charles Tosan, operations director for Artemis Support Ltd, said: “Following the withdrawal of a planning application last year, we would like to engage with the local community and consult with them on some of the ideas we have about the project. We would like to be given the opportunity to have a conversation with them about the work we do and the kind of children we care for, before considering making a further planning application.”

The consultation event will take place from 3pm-6pm on January 22 at Holmside, 146 Bede Burn Road, Jarrow.