A six-bedroom house in Kempston could soon become a care home for vulnerable children, under plans submitted to Bedford Borough Council.
The application proposes a change of use from a private home to a small residential institution at Littledale Street, a detached two-storey property situated on a corner plot with frontage to Littledale Street and Ashdale Avenue.
If approved, the property would become a registered children’s home, providing care for up to three children at a time.
The children are expected to be referred by local authorities, including Bedford Borough Council, due to issues such as family breakdowns, abuse, neglect or learning issues.
The applicant stated that the proposed care model focuses on medium- to long-term placements, aiming to provide children with stability and a safe, family-style environment.
The house currently has six bedrooms. Under the proposal, five will be used for children, with the sixth to be repurposed as an office for staff or carers.
A registered care manager will oversee the home, and staff will receive training in safeguarding, first aid, fire safety, and health and safety. The home is also expected to be inspected by Ofsted once it is fully registered.
Children placed at the home will be encouraged to attend local schools and participate in extracurricular activities. The applicant states that the goal is to replicate the rhythms of family life as closely as possible.
Visitors, including family members, will be allowed but in a controlled way, typically expected to leave by 8pm. The planning statement stresses that the proposed use would not significantly alter the character of the area.
It claimed: “In character and land-use terms, the proposed Class C2 use would be very similar to a Class C3 family home.”
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 25/01380/COU. The overall consultation expiry date is Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
Update: This article was updated on July 25, 2025, at 16:00 to remove personal details following a request from individuals connected to the property.
