TWO former West Somerset farm buildings used for holiday rentals could be converted to a children’s residential care home with a manager’s cottage.

Ashley Meadows has applied for planning permission to convert the properties at his Denbury Farm, in Ash Priors, at the foot of the Brendon Hills.

Mr Meadows had been using them for rental and holiday accommodation.

He said: “Denbury Farm is in a wonderful location for a general children’s care home for children up to 18 years of age, be it for children requiring special needs or for respite.

“It is no longer a working farm, although we keep a small array of farm animals as pets that the children can get acquainted with.

“Denbury Farm is in a very secluded, safe, quiet valley, very close to nearby schools and doctors.

“The care home is intended to be organised as near as possible to a true family environment, with all staff employed with a true love for children.

“There will be a separate two-bedroom cottage for a living on-site carer and a staff room in the confines of the care area of the care home property.”

Mr Meadows said up to six children would be accommodated, each with their own room, and six fully-qualified staff would care for all their needs.

He said: “Somerset is short of residential children’s care homes, so much so that children are being placed in homes in areas far from Somerset.

“This makes it difficult for children and parents to see each other and keep in contact.

“It will cause stress and unhappiness, which will cause behaviour problems for children.

“Anything, be it small, that alleviates that, can only be good for children, a bonus being it helps Somerset Council’s financial problems, a win-win.”

The council is asking for any public comments to be submitted by June 6.