Plans to turn a Wycombe house into a children’s home have been approved, despite concerns raised by neighbours.

The proposal involves converting a property on Carver Hill Road into a care home for up to three children aged between eight and 16.

Applicant G&S Path To Progression Ltd said the home would provide a “family-driven environment” to help the children feel settled straight away. Three staff members will be on site at all times, working from a rota of 14 employees – 10 full-time and four part-time. Only one visitor will be allowed at any one time. The home will be regulated by Ofsted, which will inspect the property twice a year.

However, some neighbours objected to the scheme, saying the home would increase activity at the property, disturb the area’s quiet character, create extra traffic and parking pressures, and potentially reduce nearby property values.

In a planning officer’s report, the council said the proposal represented a change from one residential use to another.

It stated: “The proposal does not include any external alterations to the building and would not therefore have any impact on the visual amenities of the area .

“The concern regarding potential noise disturbance has been noted. While it is accepted that the behaviour of residents is not a planning matter, the potential increase of activity from staff members working over a 24 hour period could result in disturbance.

“It is therefore considered relevant and necessary to impose a planning condition requiring a noise management plan be submitted and approved.

“The applicant has agreed to this condition. A similar approach has been applied on other children’s home across the Development Plan area.

“In this instance, given the small size of the Children’s home, it is considered that there would not be any significant increase in traffic or parking demand.

“Property values are not a planning matter and cannot be taken into account in the determination of this application.”

The officer added that the plans would not increase the size of the property and recommended approval subject to conditions.

In its decision notice, the council confirmed that the development must begin within three years of permission being granted.

It also limited the home to a maximum of three children and required that an operational management plan be approved before the change takes place.

That plan must set out details of staff and visitor arrangements, the use of outdoor areas, the handling of complaints, and how noise from activities such as music, television and computer games will be managed.