Residents Unite Against Plans For Children’s Care Home In Quiet Elm Park Road

Residents living on Rosebank Avenue, Elm Park, have objected in large numbers to a planning application that would see a three-bedroom residential property converted into a Children’s Residential Care Home.

The quiet Elm park road with all residential properties.

The application seeks permission to change the use of the existing dwelling to accommodate a maximum of two children, with two carers believed to be on site 24 hours a day.

Residents have told the Havering Daily they believe the proposal is completely unsuitable for what they describe as one of the quietest residential roads in the borough.

One resident said:

“This is one of the quietest roads across the borough. The planning application is for the change of use of a residential property that is next to all residential homes, where mainly pensioners live, to turn it into a Children’s Care Home. We have all objected to this application. It is completely unsuitable here. There are only residential homes and there is not enough space to place a children’s care home here.”

The resident also raised concerns about the size of the property and the impact on neighbouring homes.

They continued:

“Where are you going to fit all these people? These are small dwellings. There is not enough space for two children in separate bedrooms and two adults. These houses are small. Plus, they were built a long time ago and the walls are paper thin. We can hear exactly what room our neighbours are in. If you place children in a property like this, the noise levels will be very high.

“It is completely the wrong location and we have all objected to it.”

Residents say their concerns centre on whether the property is suitable for this type of use, given its location within a quiet residential area and the size of the existing homes.

The application has also been called in by local Hacton Ward Councillor Julie Wilkes, who has added her support to residents.

Councillor Wilkes told the Havering Daily:

“I have been contacted by many residents who are worried about this planning application. As a Hornchurch Residents’ Association councillor, I am here to support residents and always do my best for those in my Hacton Ward in any way I can.”

Councillor Wilkes agreed that she believes the property is not in the correct location for this type of residential care provision, stating that it sits in the middle of a quiet residential family area.

The planning application will now be considered through Havering Council’s planning process, with residents hoping their objections will be taken into account before a decision is made.

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