Plans for a new children’s home have been approved despite neighbours fears it could change their quiet neighbourhood forever.
The scheme aims to add an extension to a property in The Avenue, Kingsdown, near Deal, converting it into a home for four youngsters.
It will feature four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ground floor, with space for staff and an activities room on the first floor.
Walmer-based Back on Track Children’s Services SE Ltd submitted the bid as it looks to add to the three homes it already operates in the Deal and Walmer areas.
However, the application was questioned when it was considered at Dover District Council’s (DDC) latest planning committee meeting.
Speaking on behalf of Ringwould with Kingsdown Parish Council, which objected to the scheme, Cllr Jez Harmer said: “The Avenue is a quiet family-orientated area.
“Now, they wish to introduce a commercially driven enterprise run for profit into a peaceful residential area, setting a precedent that could permanently alter the neighbourhood’s character.
“The plans involve four full-time staff on site working in a shift pattern, implying multiple cars coming and going at all hours disrupting the peace.
“The development proposed just five parking spaces on site. This is clearly insufficient for the needs of staff, visitors, and other personnel. It will inevitably result in overflow parking on The Avenue, which is entirely unacceptable.
“The implications of allowing this kind of business into a residential street are significant, and residents do not support it.”
The proposals also received fierce backlash from residents, with 28 objections registered on DDC’s planning portal.
Their reasons for refusal included increased traffic along The Avenue, a lack of street lighting, minimal weekend bus service and lack of entertainment facilities for children nearby.
But members of DDC remained unconvinced over the traffic fears.
Cllr Michael Nee (Lab) said: “I have a considerable history and background in developing social housing, including schemes for those with higher specialist needs or other reasons.
“Every single application I’ve put in, there’s been substantial objections from local people, but not one of them ever has mentioned the real reason, and the real reason is the use this property will be put to.
“Frankly, I’m unconvinced about the traffic because there’s a ruddy great campsite on the rear boundary of this property just around the corner from the property seeking planning permission.
“I’m more than convinced that this is an acceptable planning application, and I am moving for permission to be granted.”
Back on Track says the general age group for those living in the planned home would primarily be around eight to 13.
The company also received planning permission last year for a home in St Richard’s Road, Deal, for vulnerable eight to 18 year olds. It has been up and running since earlier this year.
Previously, KentOnline reporter Rhys Griffiths explored common misconceptions about children in care to see first-hand what life is like for young people.
Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the applicant, Clive Tidmarsh of One Architecture of Tilmanstone said: “My clients currently operate three similar homes in the local area.
“I can confirm all have an excellent reputation. Ofsted inspected the homes, and one was recently rated outstanding, putting it in the top 10% of children’s homes.
“These are simply ordinary children, and due to circumstances, they need a home; indeed, they could be our children, my children or yours.
“Traffic movements are minimal; our clients encourage car sharing, and youngsters do not have cars.
“It is unlikely, therefore, that the home would generate additional traffic movements, and it will certainly not generate lorry movement as suggested by one objector.”
DDC unanimously approved the scheme.
Speaking after the decision, a spokesperson for Back on Track said: “We are delighted to have had unanimous approval on what will be our fourth home in the local area.
“We would ask anyone with concerns to keep an eye on our Facebook page nearer the opening date. We will invite people within the locality to a private show of the home and a Q&A session with our senior leadership team.
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“Our other established homes are currently rated as good, good and outstanding.
“We have a fantastic record of working within our local area to integrate our children into the community and give them the reassurance of feeling safe and cared for within their environments.”
