A planning application to convert a Park Lane bungalow into a care home was narrowly approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council this week.

The application was passed at a Planning Committee meeting yesterday (Thursday), although councillors were split on the decision, with the plans being approved by a margin of only one vote.

The application was made by care service Helping Angels, who hoped to convert the bungalow into a home providing respite care for young people aged under 25 who need to be cared for 24/7.

Only two young people at a time would stay in the home, and stays would last between two and seven nights at a time.

The application was recommended for approval by the district council's planning officers, but a local resident spoke at the meeting to oppose the plans, raising privacy concerns for elderly residents in neighbouring properties, and highlighting potential traffic and parking issues on Park Lane.

However, the applicant's agent, Rob Duncan, pointed out that Staffordshire County Council's Highways department had made no objections to the application.

Cllr Jim Davies, who represents Biddulph North, sympathised with the concerns but supported the application over all.

He said: "There are concerns about intrusion of privacy, but I think the type of care in this place will be very closely monitored.

"It's providing essential respite care for children who need 24 hour attention. It will be no more intrusive than the normal homes where these children live."

But district council chairman Cllr Keith Flunder opposed the application, saying: "I think this is in the wrong location, I don't think a bungalow is great for it.

"It's quite a long way out from the facilities in the centre of town, and I'm concerned about the parking. For me it's a bridge too far for local residents."

A vote was taken, and the application was approved, with seven votes in favour and six against.

If you would like to watch the meeting in full or read its supporting documents, click here.

To see the planning application in full, click here.