Proposals for new St Leonards children's home unveiled
Proposals have been put forward for a new children's home in St Leonards.
Clavis Group Ltd submitted a planning application to Hastings Borough Council.
The new home would be based at The Green in St Leonards and involves changing an existing HMO (House in Multiple Occupation).
A planning statement by Indigo Architects on behalf of Clavis Group Ltd said: “The principle of changing an existing large HMO into a residential care home for children should be considered appropriate and beneficial, particularly given the established history of the property as a care home for approximately 40 years prior to its recent use as a large HMO.
“The building has a long-standing association with residential care and has historically been used to provide accommodation and support to people requiring care and supervision.
“The proposed children's care home would therefore represent a return to the property's established care-related use.
“The proposed use would also provide an important community benefit by helping to meet the demonstrable need for suitable residential care provision for children in East Sussex, providing a safe, stable and appropriately managed home where children can receive consistent care and support within a domestic setting.
“The latest available data published by the Government relating to the year ending March 31, 2025 shows that there are 81,770 children being looked after by local authorities in England.
“This is nearly double the number in care in 1994 since which the figure has continued to grow year on year across three decades, with a 29 per cent growth since 2016.
“In East Sussex, 2025 saw 688 placements, representing a five per cent increase on 2024.
“More than 25 per cent of 2024 placements were placed more than 20 miles from their home with 178 placed outside the local authority boundary, serving to demonstrate that East Sussex is currently unable to provide suitable local accommodation and needs additional homes swiftly to meet demand.
“Relocating children removes them from schools, friends, and extended family, as well as clubs and activities that are a key contributor to their wellbeing.
“The need to provide homes for vulnerable young people within as close to a normal family setting, and as part of normal residential communities, provides ample justification for the proposed change of use.”
Members of the public may view the full details of the application and submit comments via the council's planning portal at www.hastings.gov.uk/planning by searching under the reference number HS/FA/26/00511 or by visiting the council offices during normal opening hours.