A residential facility for looked-after children is to be constructed as part of a new housing development in Elgin, Moray.

The two semi-detached houses, situated at Linkwood, would be part of a 20-unit development of affordable housing being built for the local authority. Under plans for the homes, each would be able to accommodate up to six teenagers and would be staffed round-the-clock.

A planning application for the development has now been lodged and a leaflet explaining the proposal for the facility has been distributed to local residents. A number of open door sessions will also be held for neighbours who will be able to view the facility and speak to council staff during the building phase of the project.

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A spokesman for Moray Council said: "It is important that looked-after children are accommodated in a community setting so that they feel fully integrated and where they are close to their friends, shops and social activities and able to walk to school along with their peers.

"The vast majority of looked-after children are looked after for their own care and protection and some will have experienced neglect or mental, physical or emotional abuse.

"Children in care tell us time and again that they tend to be treated differently because they are in care and that is why it is important that they are accommodated within the community to enable them to lead their lives with support from adults around them."

(JP/IT)