Angry neighbour slams 'profit-driven' children's care home plans for Northampton street

Plans have been approved for a property in Agnes Road, Semilong, to be converted into a children's home to accommodate up to four children aged 15-18 years old.

The decision has sparked outrage among residents, with one resident slamming the plans as ‘a last-ditch effort to make money off a vulnerable group’ after a previous application to convert the property into a HMO was refused earlier this year.

The applicant, Mr Neelesh Modhwadia, submitted previous plans to convert the property into an HMO in April, which were later refused in June. The council's refusal was based on insufficient evidence that the property had been continuously used as an HMO for more than ten years.

Mr Modhwadia, who purchased the property in 2023, then submitted the children’s care home plans in June, said: “The Hills Children Homes Limited was founded [in October 2023] with the vision of transforming the lives of looked-after children through measurable and achievable outcomes. Our primary goal is to create a nurturing environment where children from various backgrounds can thrive and realize their full potential. This therapeutic children's home will provide structured support for those who may have experienced trauma, abuse, or other challenges.”

However, not everyone is convinced by these intentions. A neighbour objected, saying: “While their application tries to portray an altruistic cause, make no mistake—this is purely a profit-driven venture exploiting the high demand in the care home sector. They initially sought to convert the property into an HMO, but after that application was declined, they shifted to a children's home as a last-ditch effort to make money off a vulnerable group. If their true intention was to help children, their initial application would have been for a children's home, not an HMO.”

Chronicle and Echo has attempted to contact The Hills Children Homes Limited for comment.

The neighbour further argued that converting the property to a children’s home is essentially creating an HMO in all but name, with four individuals living under one roof supervised by two permanent staff. The neighbour continued: “This seems like a blatant attempt to circumvent critical planning controls. The applicants have no demonstrated experience in running a children’s home and are not currently Ofsted registered (at the time of writing in August). It’s concerning that they would seek planning approval without obtaining the necessary regulatory certifications. This lack of preparation raises serious doubts about their capability to manage such an establishment effectively and responsibly."

Despite these objections, West Northamptonshire Council approved the application. A planning officer responded to the neighbour's concerns, stating: "Neighbour concerns that the proposal is driven by the wrong motive are not planning considerations that can afford any weight."