CHILDREN in care are set to be given a brand new home in Andover under multi-million-pound plans unveiled by civic chiefs.

Four homes will be built across Hampshire in a bid to help protect vulnerable young people from harm in the county.

The town’s site will be constructed in Swallowfields, with three further developments set for Chandler’s Ford, Dibden Purlieu and Havant at a total cost of £4.5m.

The ambitious proposals form part of Hampshire County Council plans to establish higher standards and a family environment for children in care.

Trained and experienced staff will be on hand in the four homes to provide the youngsters with good parenting in modern accommodation.

The new sites will be smaller than existing children’s homes across the county, housing four young people each, and will be built within walking distance of schools and leisure facilities.

Designed by the council’s in-house property services teams, plans for the new developments have taken into account the feedback given by children currently in care.

The homes will include features that youngsters said would be important to them, such as a main door at the front of the house and a fireplace in the living room.

Councillor Keith Mans, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for children’s services, said: “Children in care are among the most vulnerable in any community and we regard their care as one of our most important responsibilities.

“The vast majority of the 1,130 children and young people in our care are well looked after by foster parents in family homes.

“But there is a small minority whose needs are far better met being looked after in a safe and comfortable environment by dedicated professional staff, with the right level of expertise, personality and commitment to caring.

“When I considered the plans for this first phase of our programme of investment I scrutinised the designs to ensure the finished properties will meet high standards of construction, be energy-efficient and, perhaps more importantly, that the architects have listened to the wish list that children drew up during the consultation process.”