SOCIAL care services are planning to build a regional centre for children’s temporary residential care and family therapy in Colwyn Bay.

Conwy County Borough Council said it is preparing a planning application to transform the derelict site Meadow Lodge on Abergele Road into a centre for multi-agency social care and health work including child risk assessments, children’s residential care and support and an on-site therapeutic team.

The proposal, launched in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, aims to meet the needs of vulnerable children and build the resilience of families across Conwy and Denbighshire.

A planning application for the development will be submitted to the Planning Authority in the next few days.

An application for permission to demolish the existing building was considered by Planning Committee in July and is currently going through the prior approval process.

Cllr Cheryl Carlisle, Conwy council’s cabinet member for children and family social care, said: “I’m totally committed to our children being cared for as close to their families, friends and schools as possible.

“Our plans for a Children’s Assessment Centre on this site will bring professional help and support into one location and help improve the outcomes for children and their families.”

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “As a council are pleased to be working in partnership across the region to meet the needs of vulnerable children.

“Ensuring children have the best start in life is a priority for the council and this centre will provide vital support to families across the region.”

Alison Cowell, Assistant Area Director for Children’s Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The Children’s Assessment Centre will help us provide dedicated resource and expertise to support families throughout Conwy and Denbighshire.”

“We’re looking forward to working with our Local Authority colleagues to support this important development.”