Plan for Coventry Children’s Home approved

Plans to turn a house into a children’s home have been given the green light amid concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Councilors have voted to approve the proposal to convert the semi-detached property in Cheylesmore, Coventry, into a care home for up to four children.

It came after more than 100 people signed a petition opposing the scheme, which sparked fears about traffic and parking, plus possible disruption to neighbours.

A representative for the applicant said children should not automatically be seen as a threat and said the plans complied with parking standards.

During a Coventry City Council planning committee hearing on the matter, councilor Kevin Maton said he found it difficult to see how the proposal was any different to anyone else wanting to live in the house.

Some members of the public, however, had a different view, with a mother of two telling the meeting: “The children in the homes, they are children who did not have the easiest start in life. We’re concerned that they might have trouble managing their emotions, managing their behavior.”

She added that she was concerned about anti-social behavior and that her children could witness “aggression” and “a lot of bad words”.

Another resident claimed the development would damage the area’s “quiet vibe” for local residents and said a care home on a semi-detached property seemed “inappropriate” given its proximity to other homes.

But an agent speaking on behalf of the claimant, Ms SK Bath, told the May 23 meeting that the comings and goings would be “no more than a typical family home”.

He said the use of the home would be regulated, there would be trained support workers and it would have to follow strict Ofsted guidance.

“Children who will be living in the home need a safe and secure community and should not automatically be considered a threat,” he added.