THURROCK Council planning officers have approved recent applications for three borough residential properties to be turned into children's homes despite substantial opposition from residents.

The decisions, made by officers not councillors, are the latest in a series of similar approvals, many that have left neighbours angry and frustrated.

That was illustrated in another decision last month to allow conversion of a residential care home on High View Avenue in Grays, where neighbours say they were not consulted.

Resident Paula Pluck said: "At no point were neighbours consulted. Frankly they feel let down by the owner yet again.

"While supported living is a valuable and necessary form of housing, it can impact property values and the overall character of a neighborhood, so transparency and community engagement should have been considered."

The latest trio of children's home conversions have also upset neighbours.

Planning officers have approved an application for 56, Lenthall Avenue, Grays, to accommodate up to three looked-after young people aged 11 to 18, supported by care staff working on a 24-hour shift rota.

Two staff members will be present on-site at all times, both day and night. The proposal also includes the construction of a single-storey rear extension, measuring 4 metres deep and 3 metre high in depth and 3m in height. An existing small outbuilding in the rear garden will be adapted into a sensory playroom for children.

Three letters were received by the council from residents raising concerns over additional traffic and congestion, noise and antisocial behaviour.

However, planning officers said: "By virtue of the number of occupants living at the property the proposal would not materially change the impact of the use of the property given the potential number of occupants would be similar to a single household and acceptable within the residential area.

The property in Lenthall Avenue

"While the objections received from neighbouring property are noted, it is considered that there would be no justifiable or material planning reason to recommend refusal on the proposed change of use on the grounds of harm or adverse impact to neighbouring amenities."

The owners of 171 Southend Road, Stanford-le-Hope have also been given permission to turn a large family home into a care home for up to five children.

The home is designed to offer "stable, medium to long-term care placements".

There will be no staff living on site but five carers will work on a rotational basis, with typically two to three staff members on-site at a time to "ensure consistent care and supervision".

In their application, Benfleet-based PBS Care Homes Limited, said: "This setup aligns with the aim to maintain a balanced and home-like environment, avoiding an institutional feel.

"The children will attend local schools where possible, to provide stability and a sense of community."

And a third application, for a home in South Ockendon, has been passed.

Applicant Thembi Mahlangu has been given the go ahead to turn 29 Fortin Way, South Ockendon, into a youth residential care home for up to three children and two members of staff along with the conversion of a garage.

The home will cater for youngsters aged aged between 12 and 18, supported by care staff working on a 24-hour rota shifts. There will be minimum two members of staff at the property at all times.

However, residents fear the home, could "negatively impact nearby properties".

In a letter to the council, resident Emre Bektas said: "I have fear that the presence of such a business right next door could lead to a negative affect to the value of my property. Last thing we need is to end up loosing value on our assets.

"This is a residential area and a care home business should not be let in between our homes. I have doubts if this development fits with in the defined parameters of the area. We have fears and wondering about the potential negative impact of this development to the local residents. Especially to the ones right next door."

The resident added: "The level of noise pollution around our house is already high and I believe this care home is going to add up more of it in our life. Moving into a residential care home can disrupt the usual routines that children are accustomed to."

However, planning officers said: "Given the proposed number of residents and staff, the level of activity and comings and goings would be comparable to what might be expected at a larger family home.

"Movements to and from the site would remain at a moderate level, thereby minimising any potential adverse impact on neighbouring occupiers. As such, the proposal is not anticipated to result in any significant difference in activity compared to a typical residential use."

They added: "In terms of noise levels, including comings and goings from the property and vehicle movements, it is not anticipated that these will increase to a degree that would cause additional disturbance or negatively impact the amenities of the neighbouring properties."

At a meeting earlier this year, councillors raised concern about the rising number of children's home conversion applications and the veracity and due diligence carried out.

Other applications recently approved include a conversion of a domestic property in Tilbury to a home for three looked-after children, a home for three children in Meadow Drive, Aveley, a home for three children in Argyll Road, Grays, a home for two children in Seaborough Road, Grays and a home for five children in Catherine Close, Chafford Hundred.