Plans to change a Thringstone property into a children's residential home have been given the go-ahead - despite objections from nearby residents.

Emma Smith, of Burton on Trent company SureStore B2, put forward the scheme to North West Leicestershire District Council  in May - and planning permission has been granted today (Friday).

But those living in the area say the scheme is situated next door to a similar venture.

It was listed as a Change of Use to a children's residential home at 73 Main Street, Thringstone - and would offer care for children aged seven to 17.

But it was pointed out that the building next door - at No75 - was given the go-ahead for a similar application three years ago.

This raised concerns that parking and traffic issues could be a problem now that planning permission has been granted for No73.

A District Council officer's report says: "The principle of development is acceptable.

"No external alterations are proposed as a result of the development.

"The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of highway safety and on balance acceptable with regards to parking provision.

"The proposed change of use is not considered to result in significantly detrimental impacts on neighbouring amenity. There are no other relevant material planning considerations that indicate planning permission should not be granted. "

A planning statement accompanying the application for No73 says the scheme 'will not alter the character or appearance of the dwellings and will not result in significant or substantial increase in traffic movements to and from the property'.

The statement says: "The planning application seeks to change of the use of the residential dwelling to a small children's home.

"No external alterations are proposed.

"The property is a four-bedroomed house and would offer accommodation and care for four children. 

"Access to the site will be via an existing driveway off Main Street.

"There will be two spaces maintained for off-street parking. As part of the approval on the neighbouring site mentioned above, a condition was imposed citing a minimum of two parking spaces. 

"Given this was also a four-bedroom dwelling, we deem this amount suitable for this scheme as well.

"The children in care would be 7-17 years old and those who have: behavioural and emotional development challenges; suffered physical and sexual abuse; been neglected; a learning disability."