Fosterplus Planning Support Statement

Fosterplus – Alpine Mews, Strathallan Lane, Onchan

Statement In Support Of Planning Application Of 14 January 2005

Fosterplus are an Independent Fostering Agency contracted, from July 2004, by the Isle of Man Government Department of Health and social Security to manage and develop foster placements on the island.

The team consists of 6 members, A manager who is part time (30 hours per week), is frequently away from the office on business and on occasions works from home. An administrator who is the only member of the team permanently in the office. A social worker, a trainee social worker and two social work assistants all of whom are generally out “on the road”.

All members of the team with the exception of the supervising social worker were recruited from the island from persons with Manx worker status.

All contact with carers is in their homes and all training is held away from the office. The office, Alpine Mews, is therefore only the administrative base for the service.

Fosterplus purchased Alpine Mews as their base in good faith. The property was marketed as offices and workshop and we enclose a copy of the Estate agents brochure for information.

The previous use therefore was a type not dissimilar to that of Fostercare and the level of permanent presence is we suggest also similar.

There will be no frequent comings and goings generated by Fostercare’s occupation of the building. On street parking in the vicinity is unrestricted, there are no yellow lines or disc zones, and will not be put under greater pressure from the proposed use.