A controversial planning application that would see a home on a residential street turned into a children's home is due to be decided after several concerns were raised. 

Area Camden Group, which oversees privately-run children's homes, seeks planning permission from West Suffolk Council to use 9 Tasman Road in Haverhill as its newest site.

The plans, which have been recommended for approval by planning officers, would see a maximum of four children aged 10 to 17 live at the home for "a few months to a few years" based on their individual circumstances.

On September 6, West Suffolk Council Development and Control Committee members resolved that they were 'minded to refuse' the application due to the lack of outdoor space at the property and impacts on road safety over parking. 

However, a risk assessment report carried out by council officers after the meeting said the garden is acceptable in size and nature for the use as a home for four children and the parking spaces planned for the site would be adequate.

"Officers do not consider that either of the reasons, amenity or highway safety, would bear scrutiny and there is no evidence to support refusal reasons on that basis," they said. 

Plans would see two employees present at the property at all times, with visitors welcome to come during the day by appointment.

Haverhill Town Council objected to the proposal based on lack of parking provisions for visitors, support workers and deliveries, as well as issues with the size of the garden.

More than 30 objections from neighbours have also been submitted to West Suffolk Council. 

The house currently has six bedrooms, two of which form part of an annexe. 

The Development and Control Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 4 to discuss the proposal.