A plan to turn a house into a care home for children is up for approval by Bolton Council in spite of opposition from more than 20 residents.

The applicant, Social Care Services Group Ltd, applied for planning permission for the site on Staton Avenue, Tonge Fold, two months ago.

Its plan is to turn a house into a care home for children in the care of the local authority which would be its twelfth care home for children in the area of Greater Manchester.

There is opposition from more than 20 residents who wrote to the council out of concern over a number of issues, from the impact on parking problems to property prices, but there is support from the council's children's services team who said the area of Greater Manchester is in need of "good-quality children's homes".

ALSO READ: Kearsley: Approval for community centre on Crompton Road.

Their response said: "Children's Services met with the director of the company and are satisfied they have the drive and desire to provide good quality children's homes within Bolton for Bolton children.

"The company proposing to open the home is well-established across Greater Manchester as a reputable provider who has selected Bolton to open a home and to continue to grow relationships with Children's Services. The company proposing to open the home has an extensive track record of providing good quality children's homes across Greater Manchester and it works well in conjunction with all 10 local authorities."

ALSO READ: Smithills: Concern over apartment block on Chorley Old Road.

A report for consideration by councillors recommends the approval of the application when the Planning Committee meets at the town hall next week.

The report said: "It is considered the proposal accords with Bolton’s Development Plan and members are recommended to approve the application."

If approved it would be the latest in a line to be approved in the borough. One in Westhoughton, backed by Premier League footballer Jamal Lewis, was given the green light towards the end of last year.

The Planning Committee meets at the town hall on February 22.

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