Petition against new children’s home called ‘cruel’ as readers say ‘all children deserve care’

A new children’s home has been given the go-ahead in Coventry despite concerns from local residents. A semi-detached property on Daventry Road, Cheylesmore, is to be converted into a residence for four children. The council granted permission for the conversion on Wednesday, May 29, following a council vote last week that approved the project. Coventry Live readers have had their say in our comments section.

The council’s decision followed a petition signed by more than 100 people calling for the proposed plans to be rejected. At a recent meeting, a number of residents voiced their objections, citing potential problems such as anti-social behaviour, disturbances and problems with traffic and parking.

However, an agent for the applicant hit back, saying: “The children who will be living in the home need a safe and secure community and should not automatically be considered a threat.” Cllr Kevin Maton went on to say he found it “difficult” to see how it was any different to anyone else who wanted to live in a house. He said the key point was how it would work, adding that it was “very well regulated”.

Read more: Coventry homes closed after ‘persistent anti-social behavior and drug dealing’

Deleteme’s comment reads: “Just have a lot of sympathy for the semi next door, that house has become close to unsaleable. Didn’t they consider their feelings about it?”

But reader Bobinder says, “Really? I would consider it an honor to have spaces for the less fortunate of society at my doorstep and community. The ‘semi-affluents’ in the surrounding areas must understand that social services and care should be borne by all social classes.”

Ccfc1 says: “I guess the locals would be happy for the care home to be in a different area! These children are in care, generally through no fault of their own. Cut them down a bit!

Tommann says, “I don’t live close to home, so please give the NIMBY requests a rest. The proposed children’s home will be a place of care and a place of work (for those who take care of the children). It was previously stated that staff will be on site 24/7, meaning 3 shifts of workers will come and go throughout the day and night. there will also be visits from social workers, estranged parents, lawyers and the usual domestic movements associated with 4 children (going to school etc.). The suggestion that the comings and goings will be ‘no more than an ordinary family home’ is a patently untrue statement by the applicant’s agent and the application should be refused on that ground alone.”

Cov Jez writes: “The children’s home has to go somewhere and in a nice area is good for the children, but if it would affect house prices in that area, the residents should be compensated for the depreciation caused by the council.”

Cov87 says: “To be honest, if you’re complaining about this or if you signed the petition against him, then I’m sorry, but you should be ashamed of yourself. These are children who need care for all kinds of reasons and it shouldn’t matter where they are. These are kids, man! More help, love and care is what they need and more homes should be built for children.”

Carole agrees: “Children’s homes are badly needed in Coventry, residents who don’t want this near them should welcome this plan, not be judgmental and cruel.”

Are you affected by the care home’s decision? How do you feel about the situation? have your say in our comments section.