AN Ockendon house is set to be turned into a care home for young people despite residents' objections.

Thurrock Council officers madea delegated decision to grant permission for 210 Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon, to be used to provide a home for three children aged between eight and 15.

The council received six objections, with residents fearing excessive noise and loss of privacy if the home is used as a business. Residents also raised concerns that a risk of food and clinical waste could be created, that the scheme was "out of character with the area" and "residential care homes such as that proposed should be located somewhere away from people's houses."

One noted visitors to the home could be disruptive for residents and it could create parking issues.

However, Mandeep Ryait, agent for applicant Osamede Aigbe gave assurances to council officers.

He said: "If there were to be any noise complaints and or disruptions, we would adequately manage these, we have an in-house complaints procedure.

"We will ensure that our registered manager and responsible individual takes these complaints seriously and acts in an appropriate manner, with a clear and fast resolution."

Mr Ryait added: "As we are regulated by Ofsted, it is in our best interest to ensure that we work to a high standard, as our neighbours are the utmost importance to us. All staff will be adequately trained, including trauma training, restraint training with preventive measures.

In addition to this we will have restorative practices in place for our young persons. This will be in the form of self-reflection with behaviours and consequences which young people will devise themselves, these will be recorded, and measures put in place.

A minimum of one member of staff would work at the premises at all times, including overnight.

Planning officers cited the loss of a family home as a potential problem but heard that the property had been used as a small HMO recently.

Giving approval, they said: "The proposed change of use would technically result in the loss of a residential unit.

"The loss of the residential dwelling would therefore need to be balanced against any public benefit arising from the proposals.

"However, Core Strategy Policy states that, in relation to social care, the council will support the development of extra care housing.

"This includes facilities such as the one proposed, which offers 24 hour care 7 days a week to vulnerable children and young people.

"Given that the proposed use would provide a public benefit in the form of supported living accommodation for persons aged between 8-16, that the proposal would only result in the loss of a single dwelling house, and that the level of activity at the site is considered to not be materially different to the existing use of this site, it is considered that the overall benefit outweighs the loss of this unit and therefore the proposal is considered acceptable in principle, subject to compliance with other development management policies."