South Tyneside B&B to be transformed into home for children with learning disabilities

The vacant site of a former bed and breakfast is set to be transformed into a home for youngsters with learning disabilities.

Planning specialist Lichfields has submitted proposals to South Tyneside Council on behalf of Artemis Support for the new facility in Jarrow.

Situated at the junction of Bede Burn Road and Rede Street, the former Bede’s Well Guest House Bed and Breakfast would be transformed into specialist accommodation aged between 10 and 18 under the plans.

Charles Tosan, Artemis Support operations director, explained: “This application contains key differences from the previous one in that it will house just four children rather than five and will accommodate both boys and girls who have learning disabilities, instead of emotional and behavioural needs.

“It is proposed that the home will function in the same way as a typical family home for the benefit of the children.

“The young people will be supervised round the clock and the priority will be to accommodate children from South Tyneside in the first instance, as there is very limited resources currently to offer this sort of provision.”

Lichfields’ senior director, Michael Hepburn, added: “A new children’s care home will provide a positive new use for the vacant bed and breakfast property, providing an essential service for local children within their own community by enabling them to receive specialist care in a residential environment.”