THURROCK councillors have approved plans to turn a Corringham house into a children's home despite a 40-signature petition from concerned residents.

The five-bedroom Gardner Avenue property will house up to two looked-after children aged 7 to 17, with staff on duty around the clock.

Residents objected against the application because of concerns about noise, security, traffic and increased activity. Five objections and one letter of support were submitted.

Corringham and Fobbing ward councillor Sara Poyntz, who was one of a number of councillors who 'called in' the application for discussion, spoke against it.

She said: "A substantial petition of 40 signatures has been submitted and residents feel strongly this proposal is unsuitable for this location.

"Residents are concerned about increased activity, noise and disturbance."

Jasmine Singh, the property's owner told councillors it would not become a large care institution but a "normal residential home" for up to two vulnerable children who were placed there by order of a court.

"The manager who would be responsible for the property is local to the area and knows the area and community very well," she said.

Applicant Taiye Dosunma told councillors the two children initially expected to live there were about 13 and 14. One was described as non-verbal and the other as having learning difficulties.

Ian Croom, ward councillor for Corringham and Fobbing, questioned the level of care the children might need.

Mr Dosunma said: "When local authorities put out opportunities for children to be placed in care, the social worker will do an analysis of what the care requirement is and on that basis they are based.

"In this instance, the care home will say we only take children which will require one member of staff to two children and that is the basis on which they are placed."

Mr Dosunma said all placements were subject to a "rigorous" assessment process and future residents would have to meet Ofsted-approved care requirements.

He explained to the committee some of the reasoning why it was a good location for the disadvantaged young people:-

Committee vice chair Cllr Steve Taylor expressed initial concerns, but said: "From a planning perspective, I find it hard not to think that it's a good use of a property."

Planning officers said the level of activity associated with the use is not considered to materially differ from that of a typical family dwelling. Residents would share communal spaces, and day-to-day living patterns, including use of the garden and internal areas, would remain domestic in character.

In a report, they added: " there is no indication that the use would give rise to unacceptable levels of noise or disturbance, noting the low number of occupants and the managed nature of the accommodation."

Highways raised no objections, noting the property has off-street parking with space for three vehicles.

Planning permission also confirms the garden outbuilding cannot be used as sleeping accommodation.

Councillors approved the application at Tuesday's (8 September) planning committee meeting by ba majority of =six to two, with just the two Stanford and Corringham councillors on the committee voting against.

• For (6): Councillors Russell Cherry, Steve Taylor, Linda Benson, Kevin Lawrence, James Mackintosh, Bill Mumford.
• Against (2): Councillors Ian Croom, James Poyntz.

Watch the full webcast via this link: https://thurrock.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1111102/start_time/183000