A CHILDREN'S care home could soon be opened in Thornton Heath now the project has been awarded planning permission.
Plans for the five-children home at 124 Leander Road were approved by councillors last Thursday, despite being opposed by all 14 neighbours who responded to the plans.
Neighbours had told the planning committee they feared the children may cause trouble in the area and the home would be a magnet for gangs.
Charles Sackey, the social worker setting up the home, said their concerns were based on stereotypes.
He told the committee: "All the things we have heard are usual stereotypes about young people.
"I think the chance for the children to live within the community is very important for their future."
Councillor Maggie Mansell, who represents Norbury, said: "These kind of small care homes are important in order to help socialise and normalise the experience of young children, many of whom have had quite traumatic experiences.
"To be successful within a neighbourhood setting, it is important that all the neighbours have a phone number and know who to contact."