Council hoping to open new children’s home in October

A new children’s home is expected to open later this year, Caerphilly County Borough Council has said.

The coronavirus pandemic has delayed the completion works of the children’s home, but the council is hopeful it will open in late October.

The children’s home in Ystrad Mynach, which will be the second in the borough, will be able to accommodate up to four children.

The five-bedroom house received planning permission in November last year and included plans for a lounge, dining room, games room, toilet, office area and three bathrooms.

The detached garage would also be converted into a studio flat with parking provision.

A spokesman for the council said: “In 2019, Caerphilly children’s services purchased a five-bedroom detached property, in its own grounds, in a central location within the borough.

“Planning permission had to be gained in order to create a car parking area and make improvements to the interior that would enable the property to be registered as a children’s home with Care Inspectorate Wales.

“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the completion of the works, but the home will hopefully become operational in late October 2020.”

The council is also looking to purchase a third children’s home in the borough after receiving £700,000 from the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund.