A COMPANY that provides residential care for children with 'complex needs' has been given the go-ahead by planners to change the use of a rural bungalow near Welton from a residential house into a care home.

A Wilderness Way Ltd has been told by Cumberland Council planners that its plan to use the property in Warnell as a residential institution involves no 'material change' to the property and so does not require a full planning application.

The planning recommendation report states that the future use of the property would be to provide a home for children in care.

It says: "There would be a maximum of one child residing at the property at any one time, plus their required carers, which is stated to be two, working on a shift rota basis between six dedicated carers."

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Regarding the objections lodged by local residents, it says: "Several representations of objection have been received in connection with this application.

"However due to the application being for a lawful development certificate, these objections are not something that officers can take into account."

A Freedom of Information Act request was submitted to Cumbria Police as to the total number and type of incidents logged relating to A Wilderness Way in Wigton, Workington, Brampton, Cardewlees, Westward and Wigton Road roundabout between October 2023 and September 2024.

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A Wilderness Way's website states: "We specialise in supporting children who are vulnerable and are in crisis, providing personalised, holistic care programmes which help them recover, grow, achieve and prepare for a positive future."

An objection letter submitted by a member of the public said: "Contrary to their statement there will be an increase in traffic movement as there will be six full time staff, other professionals, management visits, family visits, maintenance, plus the potential of increased ambulance and police presence which will now be introduced into our purely residential quiet hamlet."