A DECISION on plans to allow a controversial children’s home to remain open permanently is set to be made on Wednesday (July 28).

Gravesham Council’s regulatory board will decide whether to make St Andrews in The Avenue, Gravesend, a permanent fixture as a care home for five young people aged up to 18.

Nearby residents have complained that since the home opened in May 2004, with temporary planning permission, there has been an increase in anti social behaviour in the area.

Nina Barry, aged 56, said: “The home is a problem as the young people often cause disturbances by playing loud music or shouting and screaming in the street, and can be quite intimidating.”

Police figures show there were 238 reports in relation to the home between October 2008 and October last year, with 17 about criminal offences being committed.

However, a Kent police report to the regulatory board said crime in the area “is not considered to be excessive” and officers are able to cope with it.

Action In Care Ltd runs St Andrews, and the young people are referred there by London Council, which is responsible for placing children from the London boroughs in care homes.

St Andrews has 17 members of staff and currently houses two 16-year-olds, two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old, and an Ofsted inspection in October last year rated the home ‘good’.

Action in Care wants permanent planning permission so it can assure London Council referred children will be at the home long-term.