Plans have been submitted to change a Thringstone property into a children's residential home - next door to a similar venture.

Emma Smith, of Burton on Trent company SureStore B2, put forward the scheme to North West Leicestershire District Council last month.

It is 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 residents have pointed out that the building next door - at No75 - was given the go-ahead for a similar application three years ago.

This has already raised concerns that parking and traffic issues could be a problem if planning permission is granted for No73.

But the planning statement accompanying the application for No73 says the plans '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.

"The proposed home would operate as a family dwelling and, during daytime hours, the children would be attending local education whilst support staff maintain the upkeep of the property. Care will be provided at all times. 

"This will involve a maximum of four staff being on duty between the hours of 7am to 11pm (shifts being from 7am to 3pm, 3pm to 11pm and a long shift from 7am to 11pm).

"There will be a maximum of two staff on duty overnight undertaking a sleep-in shift from 11pm to 7am. No staff would be living in the premises as the staff rota will operate on a shift basis."

In conclusiton, the statement adds: "The proposed change of use will not alter the character or appearance of the dwellings and will not result insignificant or substantial increase in traffic movements to and from the property.

"The proposal will offer employment to local area and provide a discrete and quite location where children can be provided with a robust plan for their road to resilience in becoming valued members of society.

"The proposal will help to support and enhance the vitality of the local economy and accords with the provisions of National and Local Planning Policies."