A CONTROVERSIAL plan to turn a former guesthouse into a residential home for children with behavioural problems has been rejected.

Farrow House, which operates children's homes, wanted to turn the property in Northstead Manor Drive, Scarborough into a home for up to seven children aged between nine and 17 who have emotional and behavioural problems.

But several neighbours sent objections to the borough council's development and regulation committee saying the home would damage the holiday hotel business in the area, that it would result in a rise in vandalism and anti-social behaviour,and that their properties would be devalued.

A report to the committee from the police youth action department said there was concern about levels of crime with the potential for the children in the home to "form a large group" with children at a similar home on Scarborough's South Cliff."

The report adds that there had been problems at that home and the police feared a similar situation would happen at Northstead Manor Drive, which overlooks Peasholm Park.

While planning officers had recommended approval of the scheme because it was icy terms, councillors rejected it.