Children and young people in care in Cumberland will soon benefit from improved, high-quality care facilities after planning permission was granted for the conversion of two existing buildings into modern residential homes.
Cumberland Council’s Planning Committee this week [27 May] approved plans for two new children’s care homes near Whitehaven and Carlisle.
The development forms part of the council’s £2.649m capital investment programme to expand in-house provision, creating three additional residential homes alongside a larger, enhanced home.
This investment will enable more children to live safely within their local communities, reducing reliance on out-of-county placements and supporting them to remain close to their families, schools, friends and wider support networks.
By expanding in-house provision, the council will increase local capacity and reduce dependence on external providers. This approach not only delivers better value for money but also promotes greater stability and improved outcomes for children in care. The developments will also create new employment opportunities within the local area.
Speaking following the decision, Cllr Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council, said: “I’m delighted that our plans to strengthen and enhance care provision in Cumberland have been approved.
“It has long been our ambition to develop modern, safe and nurturing homes within our communities, ensuring children and young people can access the support they need while staying close to the people and places that matter most to them.
“Too many children currently experience homes outside of Cumberland. By investing in our own provision, we are taking an important step towards improving stability, outcomes and experiences for the young people we care for, while ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective system for the future.”