Neighbours fight plan for Telford children's home

Telford & Wrekin Council has received dozens of objections against plans to transform Lee Dingle in Lees Farm Drive, Madeley, into a care home for four children.

Those opposed to the plans fear there would be a significant increase in traffic and have said they believe the site would not be suitable for vulnerable children due to a lack of shops and public transport.

But agents acting on behalf of Rob Clutton, of Clutton Homes Limited, in Shrewsbury, have insisted the issues raised would have no impact on the suitability of the site.

And they have written to a number of residents directly in a bid to address their concerns.

Mr Clutton has applied to change the use of the building to a care home and the project is due to be discussed by Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee in the next few weeks.

Peter Bunn, who lives next door to the proposed care home, said: "Each child will have a family and they are entitled to visit. There will be comings and goings from social workers and staff shift changes.

"This is a quiet cul-de-sac and it just isn't suitable."

In a letter posted to homes in Lees Farm Drive, Chris Burridge of agents Metropolis Urban Design Solutions said there would be "virtually no increase" in traffic in the area.

He said: "The lack of availability of local amenities is not an issue. I fail to see how many shops or buses there are in an area should affect where a child should live.

"There will be virtually no increase in vehicle movements than a normal family home of the same size."

The plans are due to go before Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee on July 24. Consultation on the proposals ends tomorrow. To have a say visit www.telford.gov.uk