Petition against new children's home branded 'cruel' as readers say 'all kids deserve care'

A new children's home has received approval in Coventry, despite concerns from residents in the area. A semi-detached property on Daventry Road, Cheylesmore, is set to be transformed into a residence for four children. The council granted permission for the conversion on Wednesday, 29 May, following a council vote last week that approved the project. Readers of Coventry Live have been expressing their opinions in our comments section.

The council's decision followed a petition signed by over 100 individuals urging the rejection of the proposed plans. At a recent meeting, numerous residents expressed their objections, citing potential issues such as anti-social behaviour, disturbances, and problems with traffic and parking.

However an agent for the applicant hit back, saying: "Children who will live in the home need a safe and secure community, and should not automatically be viewed as a threat." Cllr Kevin Maton went on to say he found it "difficult" to see how it is any different from anybody else wanting to live in a house. He said the key point is how it would operate, adding that it is "very well regulated".

Read more: Coventry homes shut down after 'persistent anti-social behaviour and drug dealing'

Commenter Deleteme writes: “Just have a lot of sympathy for the adjoining semi, that house has been made almost unsellable. Did they not consider their feelings about this?”

Reader Bobinder says however: “Really? I would consider it an honour to have spaces for the less fortunate of society on my doorstep and community. The 'semi affluent' of the surrounding areas need to understand that social services and care should be shouldered by all walks of society.”

Ccfc1 says: “I guess the locals would be happy for the care home to be in another area! These kids are in care, on the whole, through no fault of their own. Cut them a bit of slack!”

Tommann says: “I don't live close to the house, so please give the NIMBY claims a rest. The proposed children's home will be a place of care and a place of work (for those looking after the children). It has previously been stated that staff will be on site 24/7, this means 3 shifts of workers will be coming and going throughout the day and night,. there will also be visits from social workers, estranged parents, solicitors and the usual domestic movements associated with 4 kids (going to school etc). The suggestion that the comings and goings will be no more 'no more than a typical family dwelling' is a patently untrue statement by the Applicant's Agent and the application should be refused on this ground alone.”

Cov Jez writes: “The children's home has to go somewhere and in a nice area is good for the children but if this should affect the house prices in that area the residents should be compensated for the depreciation caused by the council.”

Cov87 says: “To be honest if you're moaning about this or if you signed the petition against it then I'm sorry but you should be ashamed of yourself. These are children that need caring for all sorts of reasons and it shouldn't matter where it is. These are kids, man! More help and love and care is what they need and more kids' homes should be built.”

Carole agrees: “Children's care homes are much needed in Coventry the residents who don't want this near them should welcome this plan not be judgemental and cruel.”

Are you affected by the care home decision? How do you feel about the situation? have your say in our comments section.