Plans to convert a large Crewe house into a new children's home has been approved by Cheshire East Council - despite 'ever-growing drug problems' in the area.

In June, Mr Ian Scragg, of Excel Escort Solution Ltd, applied for permission to change the use of an eight-bedroom property at Alexandra Place, Queen Street.

Cheshire East Council approved the application on Monday 13 February - despite four objections from local residents - including a ward councillor.

Cheshire East Council approved the Queen Street children's home application on Monday 13 February (Cheshire East Planning).

The new children's home will cater up to four children 'with either emotional and behavioural difficulties or low to moderate learning difficulties' - aged eight to 18.

Each child's bedroom will have an en-suite toilet and wash hand basin.

A cinema room will be included in the property.

There will also be a lounge area and a large kitchen - forming the main hub of the home.

A resident of Queen Street 'strongly objected' to the new children's home.

They said: "I have lived in Queen Street for the last 50 years and it has certainly changed a lot not just the amount of traffic day and night but the parking is already a big issue with the residents."

The new Queen Street children's home will cater up to four children - aged eight to 18 (Google).

The resident was mainly concerned with major parking and drug issues in the area, adding: "There is only a small court yard at the back of the property.

"I don't know if you are aware of the ever-growing drug use and drugs being exchanged in every alleyway, corner - and drug dealers in vehicles in and around the area.

"This is certainly not the best place for any child.

"I strongly object to the applicants plan as I feel this has been misleading in the application and I truly believe it is the wrong place for these children."

According to Mr Scragg, the children's home has been 'recently modernised with new amenities installed to a high standard.'

The home will have staff on site on a 1:1 basis with two staff members remaining to sleep over each night.

The court yard at the back of the new Crewe children's home (Cheshire East Planning).

A Crewe ward councillor and local resident also objected to the children's home - believing the area was 'heavily congested.'

They said: "The area is heavily congested - the current users of the premises several vans have worsened a bad situation.

"Vehicles park on junctions and on the pavements already and the addition of other vehicles will impact further."

Despite these objections, the applications's case officer was satisfied with the proposals - believing it didn't raise 'significant highway concerns.'

They said: "The proposed development respects the character of the host dwelling and those in the surrounding area.

The approved ground floor and first floor layout for the Queen Street children's home (Cheshire East Planning).

"It will not have an impact upon neighbouring amenity and the proposed use of the building is appropriate to the area."

The last date for submitting comments on this application was Monday 25 July, 2022.

READ MORE: Man arrested after van crashes into train coming from Crewe.

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