A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a children’s home opposed by more than 50 neighbours will be put to Warrington councillors again tomorrow (Thursday) – again recommended for approval.
Members of the borough’s development management committee deferred a decision last month after hearing of the objections.
The scheme involves converting a terraced house in Farnworth Road, Penketh and the applicant is the council’s own social care department.
But the house has been used as a children’s home previously and neighbours – including residents of a nearby care home – say they had to endure years of noise, crime, anti-social behaviour and general disturbance. Police were frequently called to the property and had expressed concern about the application.
.Since the last meeting, another letter of objection has been sent in from more than 50 residents of Walkers Lane and Shaftesbury Avenue, Penketh.
They say they are supporting the Farnworth Road objectors and are also concerned about a similar application in respect of a family property in Walkers Lane.
The letter states: “We challenge the committee to visit and talk to the local residents living in close proximity to the privately or council-run children’s homes approved by Warrington Borough Council in the last few years We think you will get a reality check. “
But a report to be considered by the committee at tomorrow’s meeting states that police do not oppose the present application.
A police spokesperson has written to the council stating: “I note the previous opposition by police based on some community tension caused by a previous resident, however believe this incident to be in isolation and unlikely to affect a new home.”
The applicants have submitted additional information about the training staff at the home will receive. They say anti-social behaviour shown by previous occupants should not preclude the new application.
They add: “The basis of concern around antisocial behaviour and fear of antisocial behaviour must be based on the character of the use itself and not solely on the possible behaviour of some its prospective occupants.”
They stress that only a small percentage of children are placed in care because of socially unacceptable behaviour.
The committee will be asked to approve the scheme.
3 Comments
This house is already being prepared for occupation without the approval, is the decision already made before the meeting on 13 September?
There is no law preventing work being done in advance of planning permission – it only becomes a problem if the planning permission is refused.
Residents think its unfair and selfish of Wbc to place two young children in this area when there are no one in their age range. Yet they want to integrate them into the community. Not sure how that will work. The council don’t care about these children it’s all about how much money it will make them. Why they have a portal to submit objections is laughable. The public are not listened to. They just go through the motions wasting everyone’s time. As for some of the committee members not sure why they’re even on the panel. Beggars belief.