Concerns raised over proposed children's home

Residents have raised concerns over noise and anti-social behaviour following a proposal to convert a house into a children's home in a town.

A three-bed terraced property on Lowlands Close in Rectory Farm, Northampton, could become a residential care home for children with special needs.

West Northamptonshire Council is expected to discuss the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, after officers recommended the authority approve the plan.

The applicant, Mr N Modhwadia, said: "It is not considered that this supervised arrangement would result in any noise or disturbance above that expected of the existing dwelling house."

Mr N Modhwadia, has set out plans to use the home for up to three children with emotional and behavioural needs who need structured support.

No structural changes would be made to the building, but the blueprints show the garage would be converted into a staff bedroom with an en suite.

According to the plans, children will be looked after by a minimum of two staff members at any one time.

Shortage of homes

One resident told the council: "It is a reasonable assumption that the noise and disturbance would be significantly higher than being next to a family home.

"A terraced house in a quiet street is not an appropriate place for this type of facility.

"By approving this planning application, whilst providing for children in care, you will be denying a family home to people who also need it and depriving a community of the peaceful environment they presently live in."

Another resident said the applicant had "a total disregard for their neighbours" due to the potential noise impact on the adjoining homes.

In a statement, Mr N Modhwadia said: "Our primary goal is to address the needs of our young people while delivering high-quality therapeutic service within a kind, caring and empathetic atmosphere.

"The children would occupy the building on the same basis as a family unit, sharing the communal elements of the building."

The Northamptonshire Children's Trust, which is responsible for young people's social care, supported the application and said it recognised a shortage in children's homes, particularly for children with complex needs.