Group of neighbours left enraged after planning meeting - but council says the change is ‘desperately needed’
Oldham Council approved a controversial new children's home in Shaw despite strong opposition from over 50 neighbours, who raised concerns about traffic issues, parking shortages, and potential antisocial behaviour. The home, managed by Safe Hands, will house three children with emotional needs. Councillors noted the approval was legally required, and the home was approved with conditions to address parking concerns.
OLDHAM — Shaw residents erupted in fury Wednesday night as councillors approved a four-bedroom children’s home on a quiet residential street, overriding warnings of gridlock and plunging property prices.
More than 50 neighbours packed the planning chamber to fight Safe Hands’ proposal for the property on Beal Lane, which will house three youngsters aged seven to 17 with emotional and behavioural needs. Daytime staffing of three adults and up to three overnight carers, plus social-worker visits and an on-site minibus, means the driveway must somehow squeeze in up to five vehicles — a layout objectors insist is impossible.
Katie Nicholson fought back tears as she begged the committee to refuse permission. “The planning application states that the house will provide three parking spaces on the driveway,” she told councillors. “This is not physically possible - even if all three members of staff were forced to drive a Citroen C1 and had a master’s degree in parking.”
Independent Cllr Lisa Navesey backed the residents, insisting the row was “not about nimbyism”. “I’m a grandma to five children and I regularly drive them to school in this area,” she said. “I fully understand how bad the parking is in that area. It’s really dangerous.”
Supporters countered that any ordinary family with teenage children could bring the same number of cars. “It’s nought to do with this children’s home,” Cllr Peter Davis said. “And by the way, we desperately need children’s homes in Oldham.”
Toni Maguire, who will manage the home, tackled the stigma of antisocial behaviour head-on. “One percent of children involved in anti-social behaviour are placed in residential care, according to an NPCC report that came out in November,” she said. “It is something that does happen - but it’s not something we’re worried about here.”
Legally, the change of use required no planning permission; the application was filed only as a courtesy. Members approved the scheme on condition that Safe Hands submits a detailed parking plan showing how the driveway will be extended. The vote triggered boos and shouted insults from the public gallery as the meeting closed.
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