PLANS to change a Wilstock property into a children's residential care home have been met with a series of objections.

Empower Support Services want 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.

Empower Support Services want to provide accommodation for three young people and their support staff working on a shift pattern.

In addition, a full-time manager will be in present to oversee the care and support of the children and young people, during the day.

The application states that in a typical day there will be two support workers and a registered manager from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and support workers at the weekend.

Empower Support Services state that the placement of any children or young people at the property would be dependent on Ofsted’s approval, location risk assessments, behaviour and need risk assessments and impact risk assessments.

An Empower spokesman said: "These checks and assessments are in place in order to ensure that the location and surrounding area best meet the needs of the children and young people, as well as ensuring the safety and comfort of the local residents."

However North Petherton Town Council has objected on the grounds that there is inadequate parking provision, and that the limited outdoor space makes the proposed use 'impractical'.

Ward councillor Gary Wong has also objected, stating: "I understand local residents are concerned that a residential centre would significantly increase level of traffic and the private road would also require more upkeep - that is unfair to the properties who would need to share the cost.

"They are also concerned that it would have an impact on the character of the area, as well as how the facility may impact on the safety of young families in the local area."

The application has also received a further 25 letters of objection from local residents.

The plan is due to go before Sedgemoor District Council's development committee on Tuesday, June 2, where it is recommended for approval.

The planning officer states that there is no satisfactory evidence that the development would have an adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents, the character of the area or highway safety.