Children's centre compared to Auschwitz as councillor brands OWN villagers 'NIMBYs'
Plans have been approved to turn a detached house into a children’s home for two to four young people, along with several staff
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A Derbyshire resident has compared a children's centre to Auschwitz in a letter of objection, before the planning application was approved by the council.
In a letter of objection to Erewash Borough Council, a children's home was compared to the Nazi concentration camp because the building's plans had incorporated an electronic gate.
At Wednesday night's meeting, a councillor said that "NIMBY" residents should “take the hit” on property prices, even suggesting that they consider selling their cars so that there was room for the new centre.
In another objection letter, a second resident suggested that the home's development could inflict a "Southport" incident, when three children were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift dance class earlier this year.
Other long-term residents expressed their concerns that access to town parking would deteriorate further if the planning permission received approval
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Other long-term residents claimed access to town parking would deteriorate further if the planning permission received approval.
Additionally, the council meeting included a discussion on the issue of bringing children into the area who potentially have complex issues, suggesting that they might be "disruptive" particularly for the town's local pensioners.
One of those who objected to the plans, Rachel Moon, said that the plans would bring an “unacceptable level of noise and disruption” that would not complement a family environment.
She added that the noise, such as mandatory fire drills, would disrupt the residential area, insisting there was a lack of amenities and infrastructure suited to such a development.
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Another one of the plan's critics claimed that the town's bus transport system service did not fit "regular use", encouraging individuals to drive to and from the children's home.
This was a particular concern for the disabled complainant, who relied on securing a parking spot close to his home.
He said: “If the children living in this home will be allowed access to The Crescent I would be very worried for the older people living there who want a peaceful life in their twilight years.
Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for health and communities, claimed that she was against the application after mentioning "non-existent" bus services across the town.
Another one of the plan's critics claimed that the town's bus transport system did not fit "regular use", encouraging individuals to drive to and from the children's home
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However, councillor Dave Doyle said: “This is a case of people who just do not approve of disadvantaged people. Help the next generation. Give them hope.
“It takes them out of the urban sprawl and into the countryside. People in these houses have cars so get rid of some of your own vehicles. I just get on the bus or walk, I don’t care.
“You are going to have to take a hit on your property prices. I am a property owner and I would gladly lose thousands to give these children a home. They don’t live in cars, they need houses.
Taking a different stance, councillor Dave Snaith referred to similar institutions in his own ward and explained that these centres are not as disruptive as many initially believe.
Nine of twelve councillors voted to approve the plans.
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