THURROCK Council has given the go ahead for a house to be turned into a home for children with learning difficulties.

A lawful development certificate has been granted to use 17 Argyll Road, Grays, to provide accommodation for three children aged between seven and 17 years with mental health and behavioural issues, physical disabilities, learning disabilities or sensory impairment.

Two support staff will be present per shift at all times. Overall, the proposal would see m up to five people, and no more than six, living together as a single household. There will be up to 15 support workers working on a rotational basis at the mid-terrace property , with a minimum of two support staff present per shift on site at all times.

A planning officer's report said: "The residents would share facilities such a bathrooms, kitchens, and garden and as such would live in a similar manner to tenants within a residential property.

"The level of activity at the site in association with proposed use would not be materially different to the existing use of this site and will not exceed six people."

The report adds: "The Applicant is advised to contact Thurrock Council's children's services team given the likely occupants of the property are intended to be children prior to the commencement of the use in order to discuss the occupiers as well as any other relevant safeguarding matters."

It is the second children's home granted approval by the council in recent weeks. SunnyDay Haven Children's Home was given the green light to open a home for youngsters at 37 Seaborough Road, Grays.

A council statement says the homes will help with the council's aim to have more places for looked after children within the borough.

The increasing cost of children's services have added to a projected budget overspend for Thurrock Council of £3.1 million in the first three months of the current financial year.