CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a house into a children’s home are set to be approved today despite 36 letters of objection being lodged with the council.

Pathfinders Childcare Ltd wants to create a “residential institution” for two youngsters in local authority care in Bentcliffe Gardens, Accrington.

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Although the children will be looked after by two members of staff, residents have voiced their fear over an increase in anti-social behaviour, noise, waste, and crime.

However, a report set to go before councillors later this week said: “The applicant seeks a C2 [planning] use, which includes nursing homes, residential schools, and training centres.

“Officers do not consider the [children] pose a danger or threat to the local community.”

Bentcliffe Gardens resident Simon Hargreaves accused the applicant of a “complete lack of respect for existing residents” in his letter of objection.

He said: “I moved here in 2008, as I considered the location to be a quiet, prestigious area.

“I invested at the time and have subsequently invested a significant amount of money in our property.

“I cannot accept this being put at risk due to a total change of planning direction.”

His neighbours, Stephen and Denise Robson, wrote: “Surely these young people would benefit more from being placed in care settings within the wider community, offering them something nearer normality.”

Councillors attending a planning meeting from 11am at Scaitcliffe House will be recommended by officers to give the plans the green light, despite the fierce objection.

A spokesman for Pathfinders Childcare declined to make a comment.