A NEW secure children’s home could be built in Cofton, Devon County Council has announced.

The authority has secured government funding to design a new secure home for children with complex needs.

The proposed new home would be built on Devon County Council owned land in Cofton, to replace the outdated Atkinson Secure Children’s Home in Exeter.

The Atkinson home supports some of the most vulnerable young people, including those at risk of serious harm.

The current building is reaching the end of its life and is no longer suitable for the range of therapeutic support young people now need.

A new, modern building would allow the service to support more vulnerable young people, both in Devon and from across the country.

The council has been working closely with government on the early feasibility stage of the project. This stage has now been completed and approved.

The exact amount of funding for this phase of the scheme its not being disclosed by the council.

It has confirmed the land is owned by Devon County Council and was farmland which is surplus to requirements.

Construction company Willmott Dixon has been appointed to help develop the detailed design and prepare a planning application.

A public consultation will be held as part of the planning process to give residents a chance to have their say.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: ‘The Atkinson Secure Children’s Home has been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted for the last 10 years.

‘It provides an exceptional level of care for young people with very complex needs.

‘I am pleased government funding means we can now move to the next stage and develop detailed plans for a new home.

‘This project will help make sure this vital service can support more young people in a safe, modern, purpose-built setting.’

The current unit houses up to eight children aged 10 to 17.

Places are used to support children who require higher levels of support away from others.