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Teesside Live readers have been discussing the news that a Middlesbrough property will be converted into a children's care home after councillors approved the plans.

The semi-detached house on Acklam Road in the Kader ward, between Staindrop and Malvern Drives, was granted permission at a planning committee meeting on November 6. The home, previously four bedrooms, will be adapted for three children aged seven to 18, with three bedrooms and an upstairs "snug or living room," according to council planning officer Andy Glossop.

Neighbours had raised concerns about privacy, safety, noise, and parking, but officers said the proposal was "entirely acceptable in principle." Staff will remain awake overnight, with shift handovers at 8-9am and 9-10pm, similar to a typical family household.

Donna Varley-Turner, CEO of Resicare Alliance, said the small care home would provide a safe, nurturing environment and stability for children, avoiding more institutional settings. Children will attend school Monday to Friday and maintain visits with their birth families where possible.

Despite multiple objections, no residents attended the meeting. Councillor David Coupe described the scheme as "very straightforward," and the plan was unanimously approved with conditions, including limiting the home to three children.

Commenter Cyclop is concerned: "I am all for helping kids but these places are popping up in the news at an alarming rate."

Borobloke agrees: "Purpose-built care facilities in suitable areas should be created. They'd be far more cost effective."

Sesquipedaliensrule thinks: "I'm all for supporting many of these developments - indeed I campaigned for the development on Low Lane that many petitioned against a couple of years ago. But these developments should be in detached properties. To live in a semi detached with the potential noise next door from the troubled occupants could prove to be unbearable."

Georgiedj believes: "The only person this benefits are the owners who charge extortionate fees to the council to provide the facility"

Happytosee retorts: "So not the kids who get a stable home away from whatever horrors they have been through to get to that point?"

Holly56 writes: "I don't have any objection to these homes but I think they should be paid for by the government and run by the local council hence stopping the mammoth profits these companies make."

HappytoseeIt's states: "It's just classic nimby thinking. What's the difference to the impact of a family of five moving in? Practically none. In fact, there'll likely be more security with cameras and staff on site. Staffing levels are minimal, probably four or five during the day when children are at school or placements. People really need to look into how these homes actually operate before jumping to conclusions."

Heavensangels agrees: "This house will save Middlesbrough Council thousands as the children will be housed in the borough they are from. It is not the children's fault they are going to be placed in this property. These satellite homes are better for them than bigger children's homes and they separate the more troubled kids from the ones who just want a quiet family type home."

What do you think about the plans? Is this the right place for a children's home? Have your say in our comments section.