Plans have been given the go-ahead to turn three residential houses into homes specialising in one-to-one children's care.

Suffolk County Council has approved three planning applications for residential children's homes in the county, two of which will be in the Bury St Edmunds area and one in Lowestoft.

The homes will be run by charity and care provider Break, to support one young person at a time to build relationships and their lives following traumatic experiences.

According to application documents, the children’s homes will replicate a loving family home, so there will be no signs marking properties as a children’s home.

Break is an East Anglian charity that works with children and young people on the edge of care, in care, and leaving care.

Rachel Cowdry, CEO at Break, said: “I’m really excited about expanding our services into Suffolk as we know how important it is for young people who need our support to stay close to their local community.

"As a charity which has been working with care experienced young people for over 50 years, we are very well established in running children’s homes.

"We work through a trauma informed lens and our new homes will create safe and loving spaces for young people who are facing extremely difficult life challenges and will provide them with what they need to thrive.” 

The charity is awaiting Ofsted registration and building completion, and an opening date will be announced in due course.

The council says the plans should reduce the amount spent on out-of-county placements.

Councillor James Reeder, cabinet member for children’s and young people services, said: "We are thrilled to be working alongside Break on this important initiative.

"Break has a proven track record of providing exceptional care and support to children and young people.

"Together, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young people in care in Suffolk."