Four-bed house to become children's home

Plans to change a house into a children's home in a Telford cul-de-sac have been approved by a unanimous vote.

The applicant, Chukwuemeka Madumere, told planners that the house in Donnington would be used for "two vulnerable children to call home."

The two children would be aged from seven to 17, which, the committee was told, would make it like any other family home in the area.

However councillor Lisa Dugmore, representing Donnington & Muxton Parish Council, appealed for councillors not to approve the plan "in its current form."

She said the council had received "many representations from members of the public."

"It is in the middle of an elderly residential area," she told Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee.

The four-bed chalet would have four parking spaces and a garage - for two members of staff and one manager.

Planners considered that to be a good provision which would not add to pavement parking in the area.

"It will be a true home for children to feel safe, for emotional support and to have a place to grow," said Mr Madumere.

"We will be ensuring that vulnerable children have a place to call home.

"It will be a home, not an institution. It will be a positive addition to the local community."

Councillor Peter Scott said that, for similar applications, many of the objections were "based on fear of what these young people might do."

"It is going to be two kids who need care.

"I don't see anything bad about this, we have a duty to care for children."

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