Councillors were split on whether to approve a controversial scheme to turn a house into a care home for two children in Bolton.

The proposal for a house on Threxton Place was considered at last this week after two delays to allow for discussions between the applicant, Trust Care Services Ltd, and the council. 

The controversial scheme is to turn a house into a care home for two children in need of additional care. There are no external changes or internal changes to the site off Wigan Road.

READ MORE: Prestons of Bolton building sold to anonymous buyer in London.

But opposed to it were dozens of residents in its surroundings, whose concerns included a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime and the conditions for the children.

Also opposed to it were the council's children's services team, whose concerns included whether the house would be appropriate and whether its conversion to a care home would add to parking problems. The team had concerns about applicant Trust Care Services Ltd too, saying it had 'no history' in the industry, but these were eased after discussions suggested the management had 'appropriate experience'.

In spite of this opposition, the Planning Committee was recommended to approve the application when it met at the town hall this week. However, councillors were split on whether to approve the application.

READ MORE: Bolton: Bid for agricultural building off Plodder Lane approved.

Cllr Susan Priest said: "For children's services to say this house isn't suitable, especially as we know children's services are desperate for places in Bolton for children in Bolton, then I think we can't ignore this and the parking issues."

But Cllr Madeline Murray said: "I think every child matters. It doesn't matter whether they've come from Bolton or Bury or anywhere else. 

"It's a modest number of children in this property and I think the parking issues are a bit of a red herring."

Cllr Murray added: "I've no idea what the fuss is except someone doesn't want these children on their road. 

"They're assuming these children are going to be troublesome and they're often not."

After a vote by all 15 councillors in attendance the application was approved by the margin of one vote.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.