Neighbours fear their 'conifers won't be enough to keep them secure' if children's home is built

Villagers are up in arms over plans to convert a four-bedroom house into a children's home - for just three young people.

Advocate has submitted the plans to turn the £200,000 home in Smailes Lane, Rowlands Gill, into a home for children as young as 11.

But already some 16 objections have been submitted with one homeowner claiming the area is already becoming a "hot spot" for trouble while another objector fears the proposals could lower house prices.

Another claimed kids "gather at the bus stop late at night" and that there's already theft, fighting - and even drug dealing at the Cenopath - on the police's radar.

"(I) am concerned  that the location is not suitable for the children in care and their exposure to temptations of drugs, crime and youth gangs," they added.

But Advocate said: "Young people entering the property will undergo a robust and thorough assessment."

In its application Advocate said trained staff who will be dedicated to the youngsters "holistic development" will be on site 24/7.

Neighbours complain about 6ft fence on Beacon Street, Low Fell

It said the property's maximum occupancy is three young people, with two staff working at any one time.

Parking is another issue, although many have concerns over the children - who they say may not be local - arriving.

"Children accommodated in their home could have criminal backgrounds," one resident fears, adding: "The proposal would have a negative impact on property values."

They claim the applicant has put measures in place, such as a fence, to help allay fears.

But they added: "We are unsure why this would be necessary if the children housed in the accommodation did not have behavioural problems."

Advocate was established in 2011 and boasts of providing solutions for "vulnerable young people".

"Glenroyd will have a particular focus on personalised care," states plans for the development, which would create three jobs.

But one objector branded the application "vague and obscure".

And one pensioner living nearby wrote: "I am very concerned that if this property is used for a residences children's home, the two metres high mesh security fencing and a few conifer plants that separates our garden and (they) will not withstand the risks that my privacy and security will be subjected to."