A DECISION has been deferred on plans to allow a controversial children’s home to remain open permanently.

Gravesham Council’s regulatory board agreed to delay a decision on whether to make St Andrews in The Avenue, Gravesend, a permanent care home for five young people aged up to 18.

At the meeting on Wednesday (July 28), the board determined it needs more information on crime and environmental health issues caused by the home.

Nearby residents have complained that since the St Andrews opened in May 2004, with temporary planning permission, there has been an increase in anti social behaviour in the area.

Kenneth Burchfield, aged 70, said: “We have had various anti-social incidents. There has been fighting in the street, and there is loud music almost every evening.”

Police figures show there were 238 reports in relation to the home between October 2008 and October last year, with 17 about criminal offences being committed.

However, a Kent police report to the regulatory board said crime in the area “is not considered to be excessive” and officers are able to cope with it.

Action In Care Ltd runs St Andrews, and the young people are referred there by London Council, which is responsible for placing children from the London boroughs in care homes.

St Andrews has 17 members of staff and currently houses two 16-year-olds, two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old, and an Ofsted inspection in October last year rated the home ‘good’.

Action in Care wants permanent planning permission so it can assure London Council referred children will be at the home long-term.