'Knife' fears over new children's home planned for Banbury

Applicant Blossom Heights Social Care would like to convert an existing house into the residence for young people in Crouch Road in Banbury.

Thames Valley Police says those living in the house are "very likely to be vulnerable" but a householder insists he is worried about how the change will impact the area.

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The house on Crouch Street. (Image: Cherwell District Council.)

Objector Luke Proctor, who lives in Crouch Street, said in a comment on the public planning portal: "I have heard anecdotal information regarding these types of developments and their running.

"If the development isn't managed very well, it can be damaging to the local area and the surrounding properties.

"In this instance the police were called daily to deal with the housed children and teenagers, and were very violent on the local population, carrying knives and light weapons.

"Crouch Street is a very quiet street and if this establishment becomes noisy late at night, it will disturb the local residents, and make for increased disturbance calls and potentially create an unsuitable living environment for those living on the street.

Location plan. (Image: Cherwell District Council.)

"What measures will they take to reduce this likelihood?"

A comment from Thames Valley Police responded: "Given the nature of the proposed development, the residents of this development are very likely to be very vulnerable, and every effort must be taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times."