A CONTROVERSIAL children's home plan for a Worcestershire village has been withdrawn.

The plan for a residential children's home in Ombersley was earmarked for refusal, leading to the applicants withdrawing their proposal.

O'Connell Care Group said they were "taken back" and "disappointed" with the council's "poor" decision.

However, Wychavon District Council said a lawful use application was made, but, due to the significant changes needed on the property, a planning application needs to be put forward instead.

This would then allow the council to consult the residents of Ombserley formally and to ensure that the impact can be transparently considered.

O'Connell Care Group had hoped to transform a four-bedroom house into a residential home to house three children.

On the current application, the consultant, Sanah Hayat, said: "I would like to formally ask you to withdraw the application.

"I am disappointed that we have had to reach this decision without being able to speak to anyone in relation to this. 

"It was poor to receive an email today informing us that you (Wychavon District Council) would be recommending refusal.

"As mentioned previously, we are not aware of why the application is looking at a recommendation of refusal.

"We have been made aware there are 13 complaints, however, the majority of the complaints are outside of the timeframe or consultation period."

She added the site was previously a children's home registered by Ofstead and had followed pre-application advice, including having a letter from the LA confirming that O'Connell Care Group could operate. 

Nick Atkinson, development manager, said: “This proposed development does constitute a change of use which will mean that the applicants will need to submit a full planning application.

"We must have the input of the residents of Ombersley and consult with others who will be affected by this change of use to ensure that the impact can be fully and transparently considered and assessed.”

The applicant has been asked by Wychavon to submit a planning application, which will lead to a full public advertisement and consultation exercise with the relevant statutory and non-statutory consultees.

Many neighbours voiced their concerns and were dismayed over the plans because they feared the effects it could have on their children and crime in the area.

One resident said residents are in an uproar over the plans because when the house was previously a children's home, it caused immense disruption and stress.

Concerns were also voiced about a 'blind bend' on the road.