Residents object to children's homes on street

Both homes would be in existing properties on Coles Road in the Priors Hall estate

Plans for a children's home in a new housing estate look likely to be approved despite concerns described by one objector as "very snobbish".

The facility in Priors Hall in Corby would be designed for just one child.

Objectors said they were worried about noise and parking, but the provider said the home would be no more disruptive than a standard family house.

A proposal for another home for two children on the same street has also been submitted to North Northamptonshire Council.

A decision on the home for one child is due to be taken on Wednesday, and planning officers have recommended approval.

The providers, Real Care Pathways, said the house in Coles Road on the Priors Hall estate in Corby would be for the "care of one child with a learning disability or emotional behavioural disorder between the ages of 11 and 18".

In their planning application for a change of use to a children's home, they said they wanted to create a home that reflected a stable family life where children felt safe and secure.

The child would be cared for by support workers around the clock and would be taken to school from the house each day.

The children in the homes would be supported by care workers around the clock

The other proposal involves converting another property on Coles Road into a home for two youngsters.

Corby-based Bluefront Care said their home would take children between the ages of 12 and 18, supported by at least one care worker at all times.

Objectors have argued both schemes would put pressure on parking spaces. They also claim there would be extra noise and that the plans would be in breach of a covenant forbidding houses in multiple occupation.

One resident told the council: "We are all aware that these children need homes, and, yes, it does come across as very snobbish. But this will damage house prices in [the] immediate area."

Real Care Pathways said there would be a maximum of two cars on the driveway of its property each day, and the presence of one child and a maximum of three adults (including a manager who would visit for short periods) would not result in an increase in noise.

Bluefront Care said there would be one staff member at all times, although another may be needed if a child had extra needs, and there would be dedicated off-street parking for them.