They claim the plan to turn a semi-detached property into a care home is 'totally unsuitable'
Locals have united to object to plans to open a children's care home on their quiet Bedworth street. They claim that the plans to turn a semi-detached house on Gallagher Road into a private 24/7 children’s care home will bring 'disruption, noise, safety concerns, and serious legal challenges.'
A planning application has been submitted for 73 Gallagher Road, which is up for sale, to be used as a children's care home for three children aged between eight and 18. Residents say that it is the wrong location for what they claim is a private business.
“This property is totally unsuitable," said one mum, who did not want to be identified. "There’s a flat roof directly accessible from a bedroom. It’s even listed as part of the fire escape plan. How is that safe for the kids or for us?”
They claim that as the property is semi-detached, 'noise, conflict, and overnight handovers' will be heard through shared walls. They also claim that the move within a residential street could set a 'dangerous precedent'.
“If this is allowed, it sets a dangerous precedent. Any semi or terraced house in the borough could be next,” said a neighbour. They claim they will pursue legal action if the plan goes ahead and are encouraging the applicant to withdraw the purchase now to avoid “a costly and exhausting battle”.
Newly elected Bedworth central Warwickshire County councillor George Finch has joined their campaign and, after meeting with residents, claimed that it was a 'dangerous and disruptive' proposal.
"As well as creating unprecedented disruption on a residential street with many vehicles coming and going throughout the day and night, the ill-thought-through plans pose a significant risk to children’s safety," he claimed. "With no fire escape plan and a potentially lethal flat roof, there is no doubt that this semi-detached house is wholly unsuitable for a 24/7 care home for children with complex needs."
He added: "It’s imperative that children are cared for adequately – this proposal would achieve the opposite, putting children at risk as well as disrupting the lives of local residents."
