Concerns over plans for new children’s home in Peterborough

Residents living near the site in Warwick Road, Walton, have submitted objections to Peterborough City Council over the proposal, with complaints including fears that “house prices would be affected”.

However, the responses have not all been negative, with one person stating: “Living only a few doors away from the proposed children’s home, I can only view this application positively.

“Helping improve the mental health of teenage children is surely far more important than any perceived devaluation in property. I am happy to support this proposal.”

The plans submitted by 24/7 Support UK Limited are for the change of use of an existing dwelling to provide a home for three or four children aged 11 to 16 in long term care who have “encountered problems in their family life”.

In a document submitted to the council to support its application, the company states: “Children may require care for a variety of reasons and have to be moved to a safe place to allow them to grow and thrive.

“A crisis or family breakdown or any life changes are the main issues why children end up in care. The company want to create a very safe environment where children would feel at home, safe and secure.

“It is natural that local residents may have concerns about a home such as this being created, however, as it will have three or four children in residence, it will be similar in impact to a normal family home of the same size.”

Despite this, the responses from local residents have so far been largely negative.

One person, who said they suffer from “substantial health issues,” stated: “I have previously been burgled and I feel that this proposal will provide me with added security issues, thus increasing the anxiety and stress I am already dealing with.”

Another added: “There are quite a few elderly residents that live close to this address who do not need to be living in fear of who is going to live there.”