An existing HMO in Letchworth could be turned into a children's home for up to four children, if plans are signed off by North Herts Council.

Lyncroft Developments Ltd has applied for permission to convert the terraced house on Sparhawke into the facility.

If approved, the scheme will not see any material changes to the building which needs "no adaption to facilitate the proposed use".

The application says each child would have their own bedroom and share the communal kitchen and dining area on the ground floor. 

The fifth bedroom will be used as a sleeping room for a staff member, who is on-site 24 hours per day on a rota basis. 

"The property will provide care and support and help them live together as a single household, including helping them have meals together, share communal lounge space and participate in activities and facilitate learning and socialising, helping them to live a more independent and fulfilling life, effectively that of a typical family household," the application said.

It added: "There would be a maximum of two full-time carers based on the property at any one time working generally on a 12-hour shift basis. 

"Handovers would likely be around 8am and 8pm daily and take a few to 15 mins with a maximum of half an hour. 

"This changeover is just to go through any notes taken throughout the shift. 

"There will not be frequent visits by any other care staff or clinicians."

See the full application here.