PLANS to turn a Corringham house into a 24-hour children's home have been recommended for approval despite objections from residents - but councillors will get an opportunity to debate the planning application.

The proposal would see 13 Gardner Avenue converted into a residential home for up to two children aged between seven and 17.

Residents have raised concerns that the scheme could increase noise, traffic and parking pressures.

Five letters of objection and a petition containing 40 signatures have been submitted to Thurrock Council, while only one letter of support has been received.

However, planning officers say the scheme would provide valuable accommodation for looked-after children and would not cause unacceptable harm to neighbouring residents.

No objections have been raised by Thurrock Highways.

The application has been called in by Reform councillors Sara Poyntz, Joanne Quirk, Ian Croom, Holly Bennett and Pam McCabe, who want the committee to consider parking, traffic and noise concerns.

If approved, no more than two children would live at the property at any one time.

They would be supported by two residential support workers providing round-the-clock care, with no more than two staff members on site.

Professional visits are expected to be limited, with each child's social worker expected to visit once every six weeks.

Other professional appointments, such as looked-after child reviews and strategy meetings, would take place monthly and usually be held remotely.

Officers confirmed concerns about the personal characteristics or behaviour of future occupants could not be taken into account when determining the application, as planning decisions must be based on land-use impacts.

No external alterations are proposed as part of the plans, meaning the property's external appearance would remain the same.

Planning officers said the proposal would not cause unacceptable harm to the area's character, neighbouring properties, or parking and highway safety.

They added that the property's three off-street parking spaces and the low level of activity associated with the home would help minimise the risk of overspill parking on nearby roads.

Thurrock Council's planning committee will decide the application on Tuesday, 8 September.