ANOTHER Thurrock home is set to be turned into residential care home for teenagers reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Thembi Mahlangu has been given the go ahead to turn 29 Fortin Way, South Ockendon, into a youth residential care home for up to three children and two members of staff along with the conversion of a garage.
The home will cater for youngsters aged aged between 12 and18, supported by care staff working on a 24-hour rota shifts. There will be minimum two members of staff at the property at all times.
However, residents fear the home, the latest in a spate of children’s homes to open across Thurrock, could “negatively impact nearby properties”.
In a letter to the council, resident Emre Bektas said: “I have fear that the presence of such a business right next door could lead to a negative affect to the value of my property. Last thing we need is to end up loosing value on our assets.
“This is a residential area and a care home business should not be let in between our homes. I have doubts if this development fits with in the defined parameters of the area. We have fears and wondering about the potential negative impact of this development to the local residents. Especially to the ones right next door.”
The resident added: “The level of noise pollution around our house is already high and I believe this care home is going to add up more of it in our life. Moving into a residential care home can disrupt the usual routines that children are accustomed to.”
However, planning officers said: “Given the proposed number of residents and staff, the level of activity and comings and goings would be comparable to what might be expected at a larger family home.
“Movements to and from the site would remain at a moderate level, thereby minimising any potential adverse impact on neighbouring occupiers. As such, the proposal is not anticipated to result in any significant difference in activity compared to a typical residential use.”
They added: “In terms of noise levels, including comings and goings from the property and vehicle movements, it is not anticipated that these will increase to a degree that would cause additional disturbance or negatively impact the amenities of the neighbouring properties.”
