NEIGHBOURS and residents have offered differing opinions on an application to create a children's home in a property in Chafford Hundred.

The dwelling is 30 Cumberland Road, which is a five bedroom home with three en-suite bedrooms. It has previously been used by being let in the private market to an association that houses people with a variety of well-being issues.

A number of residents have objected to the application, citing previous problems with residents at the property.

One says: "Since the property owner vacated the premises, the property has been rented out through a letting agency to an association providing accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges. This has led to multiple incidents requiring police and ambulance intervention due to anti-social behaviour, accidents, and disturbances.

"The disturbances we have already encountered serve as a small preview of the potential escalation in anti-social behaviour, crime, and security concerns that would arise should this plan proceed."

Another says: "I have firsthand experience with the challenges that facilities such as halfway houses or Children's Homes can bring to residential areas. The disturbances we have already encountered serve as a small preview of the potential escalation in anti-social behaviour, crime, and security concerns that would arise should this plan proceed.

"For these reasons, I strongly oppose the proposed change of use for this property. I urge the relevant authorities to carefully consider the impact on the local community and the precedent this decision could set."

However, another Chafford resident, welcomes the scheme, saying: "I would love to support something that is so important to a child's life who is fleeing from abusive homes where they are not safe.

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"I was once this young child who needed a much loving home to be safe from predators and physical abuse, more needs to be done to support the child care services and fostering and adoption.

"These foster carers can help change and shape other children's life's for the future to be better and brighter, for this reason I would absolutely love to see this plan to go ahead 100% I am fully behind this."

The full application and comments can be viewed via this link.