A house on Westmount Road could become a home for up to four children in care, amid warnings that a shortage of suitable placements is leaving some young Islanders in unsuitable accommodation or being sent off-Island.
The government has applied to convert Camden House in St Helier into a registered children’s home for those aged ten to 18, operated by its Loving Homes service.
Documents supporting the application said the availability of foster carers and residential placements is failing to keep pace with demand, particularly for older children and teenagers needing more specialist support.
“This shortage places additional pressure on existing children’s homes and limits placement choice, sometimes leading to instability or placement moves driven by availability rather than best match to need,” the planning statement said.
It added that a lack of available homes has, at times, resulted in children being placed in “unsuitable or temporary arrangements” or requiring placements outside Jersey.
The proposal, developed with the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department, would retain five bedrooms: four for children and one for staff working overnight.
Two staff would normally be on duty during each of three daily shifts, with a registered manager overseeing the home. The property would be registered with the Jersey Care Commission.
Morris Architects, which prepared the supporting statement, said Camden’s quiet location, large garden and access to the beach and town would allow it to function like a normal family home.
Part of the property is already approved for demolition under the Overdale hospital plans to accommodate landscaping and parking. Those demolition plans would remain, with the kitchen and dining area relocated within the remaining building.
The application follows an unsuccessful proposal for a children’s home at Castle View. According to the supporting documents, that scheme failed to win support from the Planning Committee and an independent inspector amid concerns about parking and insufficient evidence on transport impacts.
For Camden, five parking spaces are proposed, alongside room for vehicles to turn within the site.
But neighbours have raised concerns about parking, traffic, noise, external lighting, drainage and the property’s future use.
A community engagement statement says 63 residents were contacted in January, with 14 people from nine properties attending initial meetings.
In response, the project team said parking provision has been increased to keep vehicles within the property boundary, while external lighting would switch off overnight.
Residents have also been told the home would operate in a manner consistent with a typical family household, with no significant difference in expected noise.
A dedicated contact would be appointed to handle neighbours’ questions and concerns.
