RESIDENTS are expected to crowd Blackpool Council chamber on Monday (April 12) in protest over plans for a home for disruptive children.

Neighbours have already sent in an 850-name petition and 15 letters of objection to the Northern Care Group proposal to convert a large detached house in St Annes Road, South Shore, to a residential home for up to six 11 to 16 year-olds.

Highfield ward councillors Pam Jackson and Craig Matthews plan to speak against the scheme when it comes up at Blackpool regeneration and development committee at 5pm on Monday.

But they face an uphill battle - council officers are recommending its approval.

Coun Jackson said: "The residents are naturally very worried and I have a great deal of sympathy for them.

"It's a very sensitive issue. I do feel that there has to be a home for children who don't have proper care in their own home or children whose parents haven't been able to control.

"But I feel it should not be in this kind of heavily-residential area. Highfield residents have enough nuisance to contend with as it is."

Regeneration chairman Coun George Bancroft said: "The committee will listen both to the objectors' points of view and the reasons why the officers are recommending acceptance.

"We have to take into account planning legislation, and this is a residential use in a residential area. It's definitely not a probation hostel or bail hostel as some people have called it, it's for six children under close supervision 24 hours a day."

The applicants say the children, referred by social services, will not include any judged to pose a risk to the public - though some may be awaiting a court appearance.

The police crime prevention officer was consulted and did not express concern.

The scheme includes classrooms, a gym and games room and the staff - three during the day, one at night - will not allow the children off the site unsupervised.

The residents' main objections are to increased risk of vandalism, trespass and criminal activity, noise and disruption to the peace of a pleasant, respectable neighbourhood and lowering of property prices.

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