PLANS to change a Wilstock property into a children's residential care home were unanimously approved by Sedgemoor District Council's development committee this week.

Empower Support Services sought permission to convert the four-bedroom home on Lotus Drive in Wilstock, North Petherton into a children's residential care home for a maximum of three youngsters aged under 18.

At the development committee's virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 2, the plan was considered by councillors.

Cllr Richard Ives from North Petherton Town Council put his concerns forward ahead of the debate.

He said: “There is little parking available. I feel it’s unlikely that the employees will respect other residents on this private driveway.

“Once lockdown is over, there will be other visitors to the area, and little space for on-street parking. Parking in this area is already at capacity.

“The area is known as a problem area for youths – vandalism and drug-taking is well-known to the police.”

The property lies at the south-western corner of the Wilstock development, not far from Rhode Lane.

Applicant Jade McVeigh responded that the home would be “a loving family environment for vulnerable children” and would “operate as close to a family home as possible.”

She added: “This will not be a 16-plus supported living facility. This home will care for children with Down’s syndrome, autism or who are profoundly deaf.

“The home was originally occupied by fosters carers and used in the same capacity as our plans identify.

“We are aware of many foster families who live in and around the local area. Every child should be able to contribute to their local community.”

Cllr Alan Bradford said this was the wrong location for a children’s home in light of the traffic problems on the Wilstock estate.

He said: “It’s not a very good access point – it’s a mismatch of roads with increasing traffic. There’s no shop unless you go up to Stockmoor.”

Cllr Stuart Kingham disagreed, stating: “There is a need for these types of properties.

“The children need to be integrated back into family life – it’s in an area where there are families and facilities are available.

Cllr Liz Scott added: “We do need to provide for these children and integrate them into normal life as much as possible.”

The committee voted to approve the plans by a margin of 12 votes to none, with one abstention.