Protest over children's home

SOUTH Heighton residents were out in force to oppose controversial plans for a new children's home.

Represented by the Mayor of Newhaven, Cllr Dennis Forsdike, more than 15 people attended a district planning meeting to consider a bid to turn the Old Rectory, Heighton Road, into a residential home for six children.

The youngsters, aged 12-16, some from underprivileged backgrounds, would be supervised by at least two carers at any time.

But villagers voiced fierce opposition. The parish council opposed the scheme stating: 'The village is being overwhelmed with social housing to burden the village with young people from outside the area would be unfair to the community.'

It complained extra noise and traffic would result. Neighbours of The Old Rectory agreed and sent 20 letters of objection to Lewes District Council.

They raised concerns about potential disruptive behaviour, lack of amenities for youngsters and a limited local bus service. Threats to standards at local schools the children would attend were even suggested.

Disruption

At the meeting at the Denton Island Training and Business Centre, on Wednesday, the Mayor spoke on behalf of villagers. He agreed with all their concerns and claimed similar children's homes elsewhere had caused disruption to neighbours. He added: 'I think this is completely and utterly in the wrong place.'

A planning officer's report before councillors said the sentiment in a number of letters of opposition was that: ' with the proposed incinerator and now the children's home, Newhaven and South Heighton are being used as a dumping ground.'

It continued: 'Strong fears have been expressed that the potentially dysfunctional backgrounds of the residents, combined with limited local leisure facilities and support services available, could conspire to lead the residents engaging in crime and anti-social behaviour.'

However, councillors were told the background of potential occupants should have no influence when deciding whether planning permission should be given.

The disturbance caused by teenagers and carers would be no worse than if the house was used as a family home, the report concluded.

Cllr Alan Byng agreed. He said: 'A house of this size could quite easily take a family of eight children, let alone six, without any detrimental affects.'

Cllr Roger Frost said it was possible that if the bid failed a developer could buy the land and build houses which could accommodate far more children than the planned six.

He pointed out that similar schemes in Seaford had been met with opposition and 'doom and gloom'. But he added: 'As far as I know there has never been any problems with them.'

Councillors voted unanimously that the plan should be allowed to go ahead.