PLANS to use a building in the Amman Valley as a small children’s home have been approved.

The application was submitted by Wayne Jones of Silver Lining Care Ltd for a property on Gron Road, Gwaun Cae Gurwen to be used as a small children’s home to provide care for two children.

The application itself relates to a lawful development certificate for a proposed use.

The application states that the current land use classification is C3 which aligns with the intended purpose of a children’s home with two children and two staff members and that there have been a number of similar houses in the county borough that have been approved for similar purposes and there has been no additional planning permissions needed.

The company had been in consultation with Cllr Steven Hunt, leader of the council, who – the application states – is in support of the plans for the children’s home.

The application also states that there will be no change to the home or existing land and that the property will be used for residential purposes with a maximum of two children residing at the premises with two staff – which will be operating as a normal family home. There will always be two members of staff at the site, which will be on a rota basis on 24-hour shifts.

It was also highlighted how, due to others approved as recently as January this year, there is a need for properties such as this and that it would create seven full-time jobs in an area with high unemployment rates.

On October 20, Neath Port Talbot Council approved the application.