Plans to use a Stoke-on-Trent house as a children's care home are set to be approved – despite objections from neighbours.

Residents living near the semi-detached property in Burnhays Road, Burslem, fear the change of use will lead to parking problems, and say the cul-de-sac is the wrong location for a care home.

But planning officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have recommended the application for approval, saying it complies with policy and noting the current need for children's care facilities in the area. The home would accommodate up to three children, aged between seven and 16, with round-the-clock care being provided by New Will Care Ltd, which describes itself as a 'newly established children's care home business'.

Three care workers would be on site during the day, with one or two being present at night. New Will Care says its aim will be to provide a 'caring, stable and nurturing' environment in a 'family home setting'.

Around 30 residents in Burnhays Road are fighting the proposals, sending objections to the city council and organising a petition. City council leader Jane Ashworth, who is the ward councillor for Burslem, has also raised concerns, and asked for the application to be brought before the planning committee.

Around 30 residents on Burnhays Road are fighting the plans (Google).

The objectors say that there are already parking issues in the street, and that there will be a minimum of four vehicles parked outside the care home during staff changeovers. They also raise concerns over vulnerable children being exposed to drug dealing which they say occurs in the locality, while some fear the home could lead to increased anti-social behaviour.

In their report to the planning committee, officers note that there is space at the property to park three cars, and that there have been no objections from the highways department.

The report states: "With three on-site parking spaces, it is considered that the parking demand associated with the development can be adequately accommodated. Occasional meetings may require additional parking, but this is not expected to be a frequent occurrence.

"Therefore, while the local planning authority acknowledges the concerns raised by residents regarding parking and traffic issues in the area, it is considered that the proposed development would not significantly exacerbate these existing problems to the extent a refusal would be warranted."

The report also notes that there has been no objection from Staffordshire Police and says there is no evidence to suggest the home will result in increased crime or anti-social behaviour. In their conclusion, the officers say that 'it is important to provide care for children in a family-like environment, and there is a growing need for residential care facilities in the area'.

The city council had 1,115 children in care in September, with the increased use of expensive private sector care placements being a major factor behind a projected £9.3 million overspend this year. Planning committee members will consider the application at their meeting on Wednesday, December 18.

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