A plan to turn a house into a children's home can progress after it was given the green light by Bolton Council.

The applicant, Huzaifa Patel, applied for planning permission for the property on St Mary's Avenue last year.

The plan to turn a house into a children's home providing around-the-clock care to up to four children attracted opposition from around 50 residents in the area over issues ranging from an increase in anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour to an increase in traffic.

One resident of over two decades appealed to the Planning Committee when it met at the town hall last week.

She said: "Already there is a care home less than 50 yards from this address.

"Introducing another care home in proximity will overwhelm the community."

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Mr Patel addressed the Planning Committee to respond to these issues.

He said it is important to avoid the stigma surrounding children's homes.

He said: "It is important not to treat these children like criminals. These children are not being looked after because they are problematic.

"I understand there are objections about anti-social behaviour and I understand why there are objections but I do not think they are valid."

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A report recommended approval of the application for planning permission and it was given the green light unanimously.

David Wilkinson, a councillor for Westhoughton South, agreed with Mr Patel about the importance of avoiding stigma.

Cllr Wilkinson said: "There is concern which comes with them because it is unknown. It is the fear of the unknown which causes concern.

"A few months ago we had one where we had these comments and I said at the time these are not planning matters. Whether we like it or not we are the Planning Committee and we are concerned with planning matters."

Cllr Wilkinson said: "They are children. Most of us in this room have children and god forbid we turn our face from a child.

"That is the worst thing in the world to do."

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