Telford house to become a children's care home

Residents in Lees Farm Drive, Madeley, had opposed plans to transform a house in the adjoining Lee Dingle into a care home for four children.

But the scheme was approved by Telford & Wrekin Council's planners last night.

Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac were represented by Councillor Gill Green who said that the change of use for the property had "unsettled" the community of Lees Farm Drive and adjacent roads.

Councillor Green said: "Residents felt uneasy and uncomfortable and began to feel the outcome was predetermined and their concerns were being dismissed."

She added: "The community engagement aspect was intimidating to say the least. Many residents felt threatened by the 'knocking on door approach'."

Other objections included fears that the home would bring a significant increase in traffic to the street.

Five residents voiced their concerns to the committee and despite the council receiving dozens of objections from those who feared the site was not suitable for vulnerable children, the plans by Clutton Homes to change the use of the building to a care home, were approved.

The house will accommodate four children in care, and four staff, two of whom will also live on site.

The change of use of the property will mean the internal layout will be revised but no extension of the property was put forward as part of the application.

Committee members supported the application and Councillor Shirley Reynolds said there were no planning reasons to refuse the application.

She said: "While I sympathise with the residents' concerns we have to consider this on the planning criteria, which it meets."

Councillor Reynolds added: "I have confidence in the property being managed by Ofsted and I believe children will benefit from facilities provided at the home. We have a duty of care."