Plans to turn house into children's home approved

Plans to transform a family home into a children's home in Camberley have been approved

Plans to turn a family house into a home for vulnerable children has been approved, despite opposition from neighbours.

The five-bed detached property in Crosby Hill Drive in Camberley, Surrey, would accommodate up to three children aged 10 to17, as well as live-in staff who provide round the clock care.

Council officers said the home was "sorely needed", with rising demand for secure and regulated accommodation for children in care.

However, some residents expressed concerns over increased traffic, road safety and fear it could alter the "character" of the street, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Surrey County Council approved the scheme at a meeting on Wednesday.

Despite traffic concerns, highway officers said there would not be a material change in the use of the road or car parking spaces in the street.

Councillor Jeremy Webster expressed unease about "parachuting" a children's home into a quiet residential area, citing apparent estate agent warnings of a 10% dip in house values.

Rebecca Hanifan, responsible for looking after children's homes in Surrey, told the committee that children's homes were "heavily regulated".

"The children who live in them are risk assessed and those with higher needs are placed in secure settings, not in the community," she said.

Ms Hanifan added that the home would provide children a "family setting", and assured residents that "property values do not drop".

Meanwhile, councillor Ernest Mallett MBE dismissed claims that the home would damage the character of Crosby Hill Drive.

He said: "This is a perfectly viable use for the property, and It won't be any trouble to anyone."

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