Angry scenes at planning meeting after permission granted for children’s home in Upper Stonyfield

News / Thu 4th Dec 2025 at 08:35am

THERE were angry scenes at a Harlow Council planning meeting after permission was granted for a children’s home in Upper Stonyfield.

A number of residents spoke and made desperate pleas for the application to be rejected.

The application stated: This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use from single dwelling house (Class C3) to children’s care home (Class C2). It would facilitate the provision of residential accommodation for two children aged between 8 and 18.

The submission explains the proposed operation of the facility:

“The children placed at the home may have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse and may
present with behavioural, emotional, or social difficulties. The home is designed to meet
these needs through a structured daily routine, therapeutic support, and engagement with
local services. The children will be supported to attend local schools, participate in activities,
and access healthcare and mental health services as needed”.

Four councillors voted for (Three Labour and One Cons) and two Conservatives voted against.

After the decision was made, there were heated exchanges between residents and councillors over the decision.

Film of the meeting is below.

6 Comments for Angry scenes at planning meeting after permission granted for children’s home in Upper Stonyfield:

Gonestone Pigledge

2025-12-04 09:35:31

Perhaps the residents could put aside their anger and attempt to welcome those in need. It appears you have a community, maybe you could welcome two more to it. I`m sure the staff at the home would more than welcome you getting to know the residents. They`ve had a rough ride most likely and some understanding and kindness would help them to become good neighbours.

David Forman

2025-12-04 09:46:42

I wish I had a pound for every time someone said "we're a Christian country" when discussing immigration. Well, here is an opportunity to put those Christian beliefs into practice. Help thy neighbour and the parable of the Good Samaritan spring to mind.

David Forman

2025-12-04 10:19:27

Labour councillor Nancy Watson gives a very good statement starting at 25mins 43secs. She was followed by Labour's Kay Morrison who made a good argument.

Julie Taylor

2025-12-04 11:22:37

Fear of the unknown seems to be the overriding factor from the neighbours here. Having listened to the whole meeting and listening to the panel reassure the neighbours I hope feel that they were listened to. It's worth remembering that were this not having a change in use there would be no guarantee that their new neighbours could not be equally disruptive and bring even more cars to their street as they fear 2 vulnerable children would impose on them. I also hope they can reach deep within themselves and welcome the children and staff. Starting off on the wrong foot and being hostile will start the arrangement off in a negative way which will only be counterproductive.

Pete

2025-12-04 14:02:33

I think the comments here say it all, many kids are lucky to have settled homes, some aren't and need our support. That said the powers that be seem woeful, when was the Square knocked down, we had Sydenham house empty for years, Livingstone house in Harlow I believe is now empty, surely that could be used for children. I would say to the retired police office (not much older than me), don't see children as a threat, get to know them as your neighbours

Seamus

2025-12-04 14:55:04

I tried to look at the application in particular the claim of staff sleeping there in a room that is only big enough for a desk? However, when Upper Stonyfield is put into the search, it says no results found? I also noticed that not one councillor covered the concern of recent regular and many sudden applications for such facilities and the need to check anomalies within many of these applications mostly around the applicant, their company and staffing. There is also a distinct lack of information on where these children come from. I can't recall a single one of these type of applications being refused? If so, then it would appear not one single residents concerns are being taken into account as the councillors are only listening to themselves.