Children's home approved despite noise concerns

Plans to convert a family house into a children's care home have been approved despite objections from neighbours concerned about noise and disruption.

The three-bedroom terraced property on Lowlands Close in Northampton will house up to three children with emotional and behavioural needs, with two staff members on site at all times.

At a West Northamptonshire Council meeting on Wednesday, locals raised concerns.

One resident, a retired carer who said she worked with children with behavioural issues for 20 years, said: "I know what can happen and how [children] can sometimes behave. I don't believe the house is big enough or in the right area."

An agent for the applicant Mr N Modhwadia, said the property's parking space would prevent strain on local roads.

"Noise is a reality in terraced housing, and this home won't be noisier than when students lived here," he said.

However, a resident added: "Last year, five university students lived in the house and there were many times where they had their music very loud and the walls are not thick.

"We feel that three children with behavioural problems could cause similar problems because we could hear through the wall if they got really upset.

"On a personal note, we own our own property and we feel that having a children's home next door would devalue the price of our property."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Billing and Rectory Farm ward councillor James Hill also noted his objection on behalf of his residents.

He said there was potential for disruption to the area caused by parking and noise from the home.

Sally Beardsworth, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at the Conservative-run council, said: "I'd hate to turn this down because we desperately need homes for these children who have been through an awful lot already in their lives.

"We've got to try and get them on the right road before they're adults."

Councillors on the North Planning Committee granted permission for the change of use of the building.

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