Riddings children's home approved despite objections from residents

The scheme, in Newlands Road, Riddings, had faced numerous objections over potential disruption

A children’s home has been approved in a Derbyshire village despite more than a dozen objection letters being submitted by neighbouring residents. Plans from One Home UK aim to turn a large detached house in Newlands Road, Riddings, into a children’s home for up to four children aged eight to 17 and their supporting carers.

The scheme was unanimously approved by Amber Valley Borough Council at a meeting last night (Monday, October 7). A Newlands Road resident who has lived there for seven years and spent time in the social care system herself, said the scheme was “plausible on paper” but not sustainable in practice.

She claimed the scheme would lead to on-road parking, which was already proving an issue, and that there were no nearby facilities such as a park or senior school. Six parking spots have been allocated within the drive of the house but this is unfeasible, she claimed.

The resident claimed the house was “not suitable for children with behavioural challenges” and the plan would be “detrimental to residential amenity”. She said the scheme “would not replicate a family residence”.

Joshua Hellawell, agent for the applicant, said there was an “obligation” to provide homes in which looked after children can “flourish” and that residential area were “most suitable, contrary to objections” because children would then form “part of the community”. He said: “There is nothing to preclude a large family with four children occupying the house.”

Mr Hellawell said the planning system “cannot discriminate” against the potential occupier of a property and said the risk of anti-social behaviour was “unsubstantiated”. Cllr Fay Atkinson said: “I felt some of the representations were quite judgemental. This would be provided in an area with other family homes and these children need to be integrated into the community.

“They will be managed by Ofsted, unlike other families.” Cllr Amina Burslem said: “It takes a village to raise a child. This will be a lovely home for these children and I am sure they will be well looked after.”

Cllr Chris Emmas-Williams, council leader, said: “For all of these applications we get objections on highways grounds. We have no objections from statutory consultees and that means there is nothing we can do on those grounds. Residents get frustrated when they know there are grave concerns over traffic and pedestrians but sorry, our hands are tied on this.”

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