Plans to set up a children’s home in a village have been given the go-ahead.

Braintree Council’s planning committee has approved Shalamar Children Ltd’s proposal to convert the house in Colchester Road, White Colne, into a home for underprivileged youngsters.

The home will be able to cater for a maximum of four children aged between four and 17.

Staff will not live on site but will work shifts to ensure supervision is available at all times.

Residents living in White Colne had raised concerns about the lack of facilities on offer for children in the village, the lack of parking at the Colchester Road house and the potential for increased noise.

A total of 24 letters of objection were submitted to the council over the application.

Speaking during Tuesday’s planning committee meeting, one member of the public labelled the proposals “simply a business making venture”.

However, despite also having some concerns, councillors followed the advice of planning officers and approved the plans.

Councillor David Mann said: “The only chance we could have moved against this would be over the parking issue but there is no objection from County Highways.

“That’s where it falls down I’m afraid.”

Councillor Tom Cunningham added: “What is being suggested for this site isn’t an institution, it’s a care facility.

“I think the point about the care being proposed for the children should be given due weighting by those in the locality.”

The home will be registered with Ofsted and will be subjected to inspections.