A NEW children’s home for youngsters with severe autism looks set to be approved in Eaglescliffe.

Councillors will next week decide whether to allow residential house The Willows, on Aislaby Road, to be transformed into a fully-staffed home employing 17 people and housing five children.

Applicant Mark Dalzell, who has set up a company, Josh’s Place, to run the home, said he had experience of raising an autistic child and knew how difficult it was to access local resources for children on the autism spectrum.

But neighbours have raised concerns over the care home leading to anti-social behaviour – despite the fact autism is not linked to criminality in any way – and that the development was not suitable for a residential area.

Objectors were also concerned the road would not take the increased traffic, and was in a flood risk area.

A report to go before Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee said: “Residents have raised concerns that the proposed care facility would generate an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime and would result in frequent call outs of emergency services.

“Residents have cited existing anti social behaviour adjacent to the site in the nearby layby and playing field beyond.

“Comments also considered that placing vulnerable children close to an area experiencing anti social behaviour problems as being unsuitable for vulnerable children’s wellbeing.”

There is no link between severe autism but more comments of support were received from locals than those against the scheme.

Frederick Holmes, of Yarm, said: “I strongly support the proposed development based on professional experiences of working with children and young people needing this type of facility and the support it will offer in enhancing their lives and, importantly, developing their independence.

“I believe there is a prevailing NIMBY (not in my back yard) approach to any facility offering support to children and young people in need based on ignorance of the challenges these young people face. Hopefully, common sense will prevail and the facility will become a reality.”

But an objector said: “It is far too close to a small housing estate where we have many established problems with anti-social behaviour which can be found logged with the police and Stockton’s anti-social behaviour.”

Cleveland Police said well-run children’s homes were necessary for vulnerable members of society, and said: “The applicant appears to be making an effort to provide such a service.”

But the force said it would seek assurance that early interventions would take place for any issues affecting the local community.

Council officers have recommended that the application is approved.