Heath House Bushey Heath could house 60 migrant children

Following speculation around the potential future use of Heath House, in Elstree Road, as a home for migrants, Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed there are plans for a facility there.

However, the proposed residential facility would have to go through community engagement and receive funding for £1.5million works before being finalised.

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A council spokesperson said: “We are currently engaging stakeholders in the local community around a proposal to develop a former care home, owned by Hertfordshire County Council, into a new residential education facility in Bushey.

“As part of our children’s services residential strategy, this is just one site we are looking at to support children in our care. We are currently referring to this development as Heath House Campus.”

The proposal would see Heath House Campus provide classroom spaces, meeting rooms, a training kitchen, and sports facilities for children aged 16 to 18 as well as care leavers.

“The site could also provide accommodation for up to 60 separated migrant children, aged 16 to 18, which the council has a statutory duty to accommodate and educate,” the spokesperson added.

Heath House, Elstree Road, Bushey Heath. (Image: Google Maps)

“The proposal is subject to engagement with the local community, the community impact assessment, and budget approval.”

A £1.5million sum would apparently be needed to redevelop the existing site and is currently under consideration. Hertfordshire County Council will decide whether to approve the funding needed for development at full council on February 13.

Heath House was a residential care home housing up to 62 people over the age of 65 before it closed.

Heath House, Elstree Road, Bushey Heath. (Image: Google Street View)

The council is currently caring for 163 separated migrant children, who are mostly over 16 years old, according to the latest budget papers. They are supported in placements across the county that include foster care and semi-independent residential settings.

The grant given to the council to pay for their care is apparently insufficient to cover costs.

Creating a campus for the children is estimated to cut these costs by around £879,000 a year and could also be usable for some young people leaving care and those who struggle to access mainstream education provision.