Plans to convert a Brown Edge dwelling into a care home for children were passed today (Thursday 16th December) - but the decision was not without debate.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Councillors made the decision at a Planning Committee meeting this afternoon, regarding a certificate of lawfulness for a change of use application by Bedspace Resource relating to a building at Oak Lodge, Sandy Lane, Brown Edge.

Now that the plans have been approved, a dwelling at the address can be converted into a care home for three children with a minimum of two carers on site during the day and night.

The two storey semi-detached property is located on a residential estate in Brown Edge, next to Sandy Lane Methodist Church, and is currently vacant.

The children at the home would be looked after by the carers on a 24/7 basis "in a manner akin to a family", according to the application's planning statement.

At today's meeting, three public speakers spoke against the plans, while there were two public speakers in favour of the application.

One of those speaking against the application was Brown Edge Parish Cllr Adrian Felton.

He said: "The parish council believes there is a lack of clear documentation for this change of use. The only information we have been provided is vague and contradictory.

"It is adjacent to a nursery where young children regularly attend, and we have concerns around safeguarding. We are also concerned that young people with issues could bring a gang culture into the village, and one parishioner told us she would be afraid to leave her door unlocked."

A representative from the Brown Edge Busy Bees nursery and a local resident also spoke against the plans.

The applicant's agent, and Daniel Wilson, the applicant, spoke in favour of the plans, arguing that the certificate of lawfulness submitted was sufficient, and that the work required did not need a full planning application to be brought before the council.

Mr Wilson added: "We would ensure children are carefully selected to ensure their personalities and needs are well matched.

"We feel it is important for children to positively be involved in the local community. We have also engaged with the nursery to ensure our safeguarding measures align."

Councillors then debated the plans, with Cllr Keith Flunder proposing the application's refusal, saying he would like to see a full planning application brought forward.

He commented: "I think there is far too much alteration for this use, and I think it needs to come back as a full planning application. There is no pavement in that area and I think there needs to be a complete risk assessment."

He also argued that local residents may not want to use the nearby nursery if the plans are given the go ahead.

Cllr Bill Cawley proposed the plans be approved, saying: "To the people saying these children would be a threat - are you saying the people of Brown Edge are saints and don't commit antisocial behaviour themselves?

"These children need a fresh start in life and I am convinced that this is a bona fide company. Some of the arguments used here and the way that these children have been talked about has been upsetting."

After councillors had finished making their comments a vote was taken, and the plans were narrowly approved, with six councillors voting against the plans and seven councillors voting in favour.

The full meeting can be watched online on the district council's website.