HOLLYWOOD residents have voiced their objections to a plan to convert a dwelling house into a children's home.

A planning application has been lodged seeking to convert 135 Shawhurst Lane into a home for up to three vulnerable children.

According to the planning statement: "The building is proposed to operate as a children's home with children aged 8 to 18 years who are in the care system because of safeguarding issues.

"The national shortage of children’s homes and suitable accommodation has been well documented in recent years.

"Various sources have quoted on what is a national crisis where the most vulnerable in society ‘continue to be put at risk’.

"Instances include placements of vulnerable children into hotels and bed and breakfasts.

"Also instances of relocating them to locations hundreds of miles away putting their safeguarding at risk".

However, 19 people have objected to the application since it was submitted last month, raising concerns over traffic and parking, noise, impact on the character of the area, and other reasons.

An objection on behalf of Mr And Mrs Morgan, who live at the adjoining home, said: "The plans to change the use of this dwelling to a children's home is extremely concerning.

"I have lived at this address for 77 years and my property is linked to 135. I have seen many developments over the years and watched this community thrive. I have observed the building development behind my property and always supported these.

"I understand the subject of a children's home is an extremely emotive one, I know children need somewhere to live and a chance of a safe and suitable environment. I do not feel this property meets these requirements.

"It is on a busy road the property is semidetached and this road is already saturated in schools, community centres, and various other elderly residential properties, can it really take anymore?"

Wythall Parish Council said they do not object to the proposal from a planning perspective, but said: "We note the concerns of some local residents about the unknown quantity that this change of use may represent".