ANGRY neighbours say a centre for children with behavioural problems moved on to their street without consultation.
Stepping Stones, which specialises in working with young people in care with complex emotional and behavioural difficulties, has moved into a five-bedroomed detached home at Highfield Road, near Ledsham Road.
It will provide accommodation for up to four young people aged 10-18, who are behaviourally challenging and emotionally vulnerable.
There is currently one young person staying.
One neighbour, Vera Williams, of Ledsham Road, says it is not an appropriate area to house troubled youngsters.
She said: “It’s all been done in an underhand way. A child was heard screaming and using foul language outside.
“It just isn’t the right place for it. It’s a beautiful house.
“The children’s home just closed down at the back of us and is up for sale – why didn’t they move in there? It’s absolutely the wrong place.
“Next door reckons at least £75,000 has been knocked off the value of his house.”
A planning application granted for an extension made reference only to residential purposes.
On Thursday, June 23, a meeting was held for residents to discuss their concerns.
Planning enforcement officers undertook a visit to investigate the nature of the home in relation to planning regulations.
The home was registered with Ofsted on May 24, after Stepping Stones applied for a licence to run a facility for four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.
A Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman said: “The use of the property remains within the use class C3 and there has not been a change of use. Planning permission is not required for the use and there has not been a breach of planning control.”
