A new children's home will be set up in Gateshead despite a petition opposing the application on the grounds it will "blight the area".
A mid-terrace property on Saltwell Place, Bensham is now set to house up to four children at a time. The application, submitted by Miss Kerry Brannen of KerryLynneCare, told councillors the home would be managed by three day shift and two night shift members of staff.
However, council documents stated a petition with 14 names was submitted in opposition to the home.
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Petitioners claimed there are issues with anti-social behaviour in the area and that a commercial unit in the middle of a residential terrace would be inappropriate. Gateshead Council also received one letter of objection.
According to the council officer's report, the letter claimed: "These behavioural problem children will draw in peers and blight the area further."
Northumbria Police initially objected to the project. However, following correspondence with the applicant, the police withdrew the objection but maintained concerns regarding the potentially increased activity at the property.
Council officers acknowledged residents' anti-social behaviour concerns. However, the subsequent report given to councillors stated: "Officers would, however, draw to attention that the planning system deals with the use and development of land rather than the identity and background of any particular occupiers."
The report continues: "It is considered that anti-social behaviour (including noise) is a matter for the management of the building in connection with the Police and the Council's Environmental Health and/or Private Sector Housing sections and should not preclude granting planning permission in this case."
Deputy Mayor Robert Waugh said: "It is good to see that a new home will now be available in the heart of the community. The application was a strong one, with the changes in the building being more than suitable for its new use, and enables round the clock staffing.
"It is considered a suitable development in accordance with the council's policies and I look forward to the positive impact it can have on these young people's lives."
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