Dozens of residents have lost their battle to stop a Stoke-on-Trent house being converted into a children's care home.

There were 59 objections to the proposed change of use of the property in Spitfire Way, Sandyford, with fears raised that there could be a rise in crime and antisocial behaviour, families feeling unsafe and homes being devalued, as well as parking problems.

First 4 Children, which already operates other sites in Stoke-on-Trent, put forward the plans to accommodate up to three children aged eight to 18 in the detached house. Each child will have their own bedroom, with a staff bedroom and office also provided, as well as communal space and a parking area for three vehicles.

Members of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's planning committee heard on Wednesday (June 29) that there was unprecedented demand for children's care homes in the area. Around 1,100 children require residential care in the city.

Matthew McPhail, who spoke in support of the application, said: "The vast majority of children's homes are located in residential areas; they are ideal for them to be raised in a comfortable residential environment and not isolated. Our aim is to operate like any other family home.

"We are regulated by Ofsted and have to meet requirements before we are given the go-ahead. The children living there will be under 24-hour supervision on a one to one basis and our senior staff have a combined 40 years' experience in the sector.

"As stated by highways, parking isn't an issue. All vehicles will be located on the driveway and we will ensure there will be no obstructions."

Residents raised concerns regarding traffic levels (Google).

Residents are concerned about the level of traffic the proposal will bring to the street however. Jonathan Stanfield said: "Parking is already a problem on the surrounding roads, with vehicles parking not on driveways but on footpaths.

"This can often force pedestrians on to the highway. If each of the staff bring their own vehicle this will exacerbate this situation further."

Bryn Jones said: "This is a quiet residential area. I believe having this proposed home could devalue our houses, which we have built up over the decades; if this application is successful will the council guarantee that any loss in value to any property on the estate will be compensated when residents wish to sell?

"This children's home could bring unknown trouble to this area and cause the residents undue anxiety. People won't feel safe in their own homes not knowing who lives at the property and what issues they have."

Louise Cross said: "A high number of residents have lived on this development for over 20 years; this in itself speaks volumes for the settled tranquil nature of the area we choice to live in. I am sure the residents will agree that all we want is a safe neighbourhood to raise our children without the fear of who maybe imposed on the community in a children's home in the centre of our residential dwellings.

"The residents of Heritage Park are law abiding tax payers who require nothing more than a safe environment to live and raise their families, I feel the council should put the needs of the established community ahead of a few children who may be passing through."

But the plans were passed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council's planning committee on Wednesday (June 29). And vice chair Councillor Andy Platt said he was said to see the number of objections.

He added: "It's a regulated family home – and most family homes are not regulated. Sometimes we get two or three of these applications in a meeting and I hope, as with other applications, the concerns of residents are unfounded."

Fellow committee member Councillor Ross Irving said: "We know we have a situation in Stoke-on-Trent where the number of looked after children is growing. We have got to provide accommodation for these children to allow them to grow into the citizens of the future.

"There will be more of these type of applications in residential areas. And I think we have a duty to children in care to ensure they have the best of housing."

READ MORE: Man sustains serious injuries after suffering 'medical incident' whilst driving in Stoke-on-Trent

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