Residents have voiced concerns over the location of a proposed children’s home in Deane.

Plans were submitted in November last year to change the use of a dwelling on St Mary’s Avenue.

The application has been met with 50 letters of objection from neighbouring residents, whose main concerns are around safeguarding due to them already experiencing anti-social behaviour in the area, parking concerns, and fears there will be a lot of noise.

Mohammed Hussain – who recently brought a house on the street – says he was looking forward to moving into his home after recently being diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer, and other health conditions.

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He says he is concerned he will be stressed with the noise and parking, and worried over potential safety issues.

He said: “It’s causing anxiety and stress, with what could happen and how it will impact others.

“Will the children be able to climb over into our gardens for example?

“I wanted to move somewhere quiet with a nice garden.

“I don’t think it’s ideal for children to be in this environment with some of the anti-social- behaviour.

“I don’t know if I should sell and move, and it is going to have an impact on my health.

“All the five streets here only have one road to get in and out, and cars are parked there all day, and the pavements and roads are very narrow, and this will cause more traffic.”

The Bolton News: The applicant Husaifa Patel has said that the accommodation is vital and means that children will not have to move out of the borough, so it is easier for them to keep in touch with their family.

He said: “These children have already been through a great ordeal.

“Why shouldn’t we provide them with suitable accommodation?

“I understand why concerns have been raised, but I don’t agree they are valid or justified.

“It’s in an area where children can access schools and local amenities, and children’s place here shouldn’t be treated differently to any other child, because they are just kids.

“In regard to parking, we won’t have more than two cars at any one time, and staff will be there 24/7.

“It’s not just about providing shelter and accommodation; it’s about giving these young minds a far better future.”

Husaifa says that he is also a maths teacher who has had experience in both mainstream and SEN provisions, and experience working with vulnerable children.

His parents have also been foster carers in Bolton for over 10 years, and he says the children’s home with be registered with Ofsted and join the Northwest ADCS framework.

A statement by Bolton Council's children's service department within the application states: “Following consultation with the provider, we are assured that they have good local knowledge and awareness of the location risks and have the ability to mitigate any concerns.”

The children’s home has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

The application will be heard at the planning committee meeting on Thursday March 21.

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