RESIDENTS have voiced their "deep concern" and "disappointment" after plans were put forward for a new children's home near Pershore.

The proposed residential home - at The Riddings in Bricklehampton - will house up to four children or young adults.

Many neighbours on the Wychavon District Council's planning portal shared their fears on the plans and said it could cause an increase in anti-social behaviour due to a lack of amenities in Bricklehampton. 

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The Riddings was previously a council-run children's home, and residents said during this period, children would go missing, anti-social behaviour increased, and police frequently visited the premises.

Worcester News: Police outside The Riddings when it was formally a children's home.Police outside The Riddings when it was formally a children's home. (Image: James Maude)

The Evesham Journal has contacted Integrum Children's Services Limited for a comment and is awaiting a response. 

On the application, Paul Cornish said: "I am disappointed that the past mistakes are seemingly going to be replicated, to the detriment of the children in care, the community and my family (children aged six, seven and nine).

"For the sake of the children in care who require stability, please reconsider this application."

James Maude added: "The house is isolated from things for children to do, and so they escape, which leads to antisocial behaviour including vandalism to people's property, trespass, violence, intimidation and threat to kill.

"The result is a small community in fear of being outside."

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Carol Moss said that it is no wonder some residents felt anxious and vulnerable previously with the children's home and will soon again if the home re-open.

The Riddings is a detached, two-storey home with a garage, surrounded by gardens to the side and rear.

Other residents like Janice Rowland feared parking issues due to staff needing to park along narrow roads used by buses, farm vehicles and ambulances.

On the planning application, a spokesperson for the applicant Integrum Children's Services Limited said: "The provision will be a therapeutic children’s home professionally run by a highly experienced and qualified team.

"The therapeutic model that will be provided involves activities such as equine therapy, forest school education, horticulture and wilderness therapy.

"There is an acute need for therapeutic residential provision for children locally and across the region.

"Further, to assure Worcestershire Council, it is the applicants’ core mission for the proposed home to make a positive contribution to the community."

The Journal has contacted Integrum Children's Services Limited for a comment and is awaiting a response. 

The proposal comes after a pre-application meeting with the Worcestershire County Council on June 19, 2023.

The consultation period for the application ends on August 31 and can be found by using its referance number W/23/01484/FUL.