THURROCK Council planning officers have refused an application to turn a house into a children's home - despite agreeing similar proposals last month.

The council received an application to turn 100 Purfleet Road, Aveley, into a home for two children run by Aktive Kids Limited. The children would have been looked after by two carers on a rota basis with a third carer acting as manager.

The property is a four bedroomed detached house but planners said the change to a children's home would require full planning permission rather than a change of use.

Though there were no objections from neighbours, in their report, officers said: "The proposal raises concerns about the potential for disturbance to neighbouring properties. The presence of additional carers, particularly those on overnight shifts, creates a scenario where the property would function more like an institution than a private home.

"This would likely lead to noise and disruption, especially at night, which may affect the amenity of the area. Neighbours may experience disturbances during shift changes, deliveries, or the arrival and departure of care staff, which, even if low in frequency, could be disruptive."

The report added: "The lack of permanence in the staff's residency and the relatively constant presence of carers within the property could change the dynamic of the locality, causing undue concerns among neighbours about privacy, security, and potential anti-social behaviour."

In addition, officers said the proposal was "contrary to the general aims of protecting residential areas from uses that might undermine their character" and there was "potential for increased institutionalisation within what is otherwise a residential street".

The council said: "Even with no external alterations, the cumulative effect of housing vulnerable children, requiring multiple carers on-site, may result in the property taking on an institutional appearance, despite the lack of obvious physical changes.

"This would alter the character of the area and create a precedent for other similar developments in the locality, further eroding the residential feel of the neighbourhood. These impacts would requirement management, which is indicative of a material change of use and development. This has not been addressed in the planning statement and it is not clear whether the property is capable of accommodating these increased requirements."

In October, officers granted permission for a terraced home in Grays to be converted to provide accommodation for three children aged between seven and 17 years with mental health and behavioural issues, physical disabilities, learning disabilities or sensory impairment. It would have also required carers to be present.

It was the second such approval in Grays in quick succession. SunnyDay Haven Children's Home was given the green light to open a home for youngsters at 37 Seaborough Road, Grays.

A council statement then said said the home would help with the council's aim to have more places for looked after children within the borough.