Neighbours upset over plan to convert Northampton house into children's home for up to three kids

A planning application to convert a house in Northampton into a children's home for up to three vulnerable kids has upset the neighbours.

Northampton-based care agency Farj Services wants to accommodate children aged between eight and 17 in the four-bedroom property on Gresham Drive, West Hunsbury.

But Andy Cage, who lives next door and shares a drive with the house, believes it is the wrong place for a children's home and has been organising residents to oppose the scheme.

"We want to make it clear that this isn't about children in dire need of stable accommodation, it's about the suggested planned site and area being totally unsuitable for the requirements stated within the application," he said.

"There is also concern about the company applying for the planning, as they are a for-profit private firm and there is genuine concern that they're attempting to use the cheapest accommodation available rather than invest in a more suitable residence.

"We live directly next to the proposed site, with a shared driveway for access, if this goes ahead, we, a family of five with three young children, will be held to ransom for the duration that this house is in operation.

"Our quality of life depends totally on the outcome of this planning decision."

As well as the change of use, Farj Services, which provides domestic carers in Northamptonshire and London, also wants to build a small extension on the front of the house for a shower in the toilet.

The agency, based at the University of Northampton's Innovation Centre on Green Street, said the children staying there will be those the council had decided cannot live with their parent(s).

There will be a maximum of three members of staff on duty at the property at any one time during the day and no more than two during the night as required by Ofsted.

No visitors will be allowed other than social workers and other professionals every six weeks while family members will meet them at a contact centre.

"Whilst there may be an increase with staff coming and going from the property, we do not consider that this will result in any significant harm on the neighbouring properties, to that which could be created in its current use as a four-bedroom dwelling," a planning document says.

"It is considered that there would be no material change to the living conditions of occupiers within the neighbouring properties as a result of the change of use."

To view the application, reference N/2020/1528, click here. The deadline for comments is December 31.