THE latest in a growing list of applications to turn domestic dwellings in the borough into care homes for children has been approved.

There has been growing public concern, and from some councillors, about the significant increase in such applications - many of which have been approved despite considerable local objections.

The latest green light is for a property  at 21 Palmer Avenue, Grays, which will be converted to a specialist residential care home for up to three children aged six to 17 with learning disabilities, Autism and complex and challenging needs.

The applicants. Compassion Homes, say the home will offer a stable, nurturing environment akin to a family setting, allowing children to develop trusting relationships with carers and reduce the disruptions associated with placement changes.

And that is accords with Thurrock Council's Children's Services strategy to ensure that children in care have access to suitable, high-quality placements within the local area.

Compassion Homes  also say: "There will be no external alterations to the property. From the outside, the building will remain indistinguishable from any other private residential dwelling in the area. Its external appearance and architectural character will be unchanged, maintaining the street's visual integrity."

The company was set up in 2020 and has returned since accounts showing it has always been lossmaker and has (at last accounts in 2024) assets of just £29,346. The average price of cost of properties in Palmers Avenue is reported by Right Move to have an overall average of £500,000 over the last year.

Compassion Homes was originally registered in London, the company then moved to Eastleigh and recent appears to have migrated to be controlled from Bolton.

The number of care home conversions for children has raised eyebrows across the borough and at national level.

Last month Thurrock Nub News reported on a raft of conversions, and also on the views of an expert in the care sector who warned "smaller opportunists are charging extraordinary prices for unregulated or unregistered services."