Residents up in arms over news of children's home plans

My Choice Children's Homes, based in Haywards Heath, has applied for certificate of lawfulness to operate a home at number eight, Wendy Ridge in the village.

Although the plan states only two children would live there, it has caused outrage in the road with neighbours who fear the worst.

Nick Hutcheson lives at number 10, Wendy Ridge, his house adjoins the proposed home and he said he was concerned about the effect unruly children could have on what he described as "a peaceful place to live".

"My partner and I are devastated," he said. "We only moved here two months ago and planned to start a family but now we are having second thoughts.

"While I appreciate that these children need care, my understanding is that they are the ones who cannot be housed in a normal children's home and I don't think that a quiet residential street is the best place for them.

"Government research shows that crime rates rise when children's homes are established and we don't want that for Wendy Ridge. There is strong opposition from residents here and we will do everything we can to stop this going ahead."

My Choice, which owns the house, only requires a certificate of lawfulness from Arun District Council and does not have to apply for change of use as the building is still classified as a dwelling if used as a children's home.

In fact, planning rules allow up to six people can be cared for in a home, which can still be described as a residential dwelling.

The plans for the home, lodged with Arun District Council, state it would be used to provide permanent placements for two children under the age of 18, cared for by a team of six residential care workers and a residential care manager.

In the plans lodged with the council the company said: "My Choice is a child oriented and needs-led organisation established to provide a life-enhancing opportunity for children who have found themselves unable to sustain a placement in their parental homes, foster homes or conventional children's homes.

"The homes already managed by My Choice provide a real-life residential experience for the individual young person, allowing them to interact with the local community in places of worship, schools, colleges, youth clubs, work experience and other social establishments."

At the time of going to print, My Choice were not available for comment.