Contentious plans to convert a Southampton house into a new residential care home for adults have been given the green light by councillors.

The proposals for 26 Maybush Road in Redbridge will see independent organisation CM Supported Living provide a 24-hour support setting for people aged between 18 and 65.

A maximum of five residents will be accommodated at the care home, with a sixth bedroom used for an overnight staff member.

The application for change of use from a dwelling house went before the planning and rights of way panel on Tuesday, February 11, after it received 21 objections from surrounding residents.

A management plan submitted on behalf of the applicant by HMO Designers said CM Supported Living offered “high-quality” accommodation and support to adults, guiding them on a path to independent living.

The plan added: “They provide support to young people and adults with a range of needs physical, emotional and mental to help them develop essential skills and enable them to live as independently as possibly.”

Redbridge ward councillors objected to the scheme.

Cllr Eugene McManus said residents in the area were not NIMBYs (not in my backyard) or part of the BANANA (build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything) ethos.

“It is a family home surrounded by family homes, some of whom have resided there for more than 50 years therefore we object due to impact on character,” Cllr McManus said.

“This application changes the very character of the road.

“A road full of family homes in the heart of the estate.”

Cllr McManus said objectors also had concerns about access, noise and disturbance, which he said would impact on the amenity of existing residents.

“Neighbours of care homes can suffer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year,” Cllr McManus added.

A planning officer said they sympathised with residents’ concerns and such applications were always a balancing act.

The panel heard there was a significant need for this type of accommodation in the city.

Cllr Jaden Beurain said he recognised the concerns around anti-social behaviour.

Members of the panel agreed for a condition of the approval to include a requirement for the applicant to provide a new plan outlining how anti-social behaviour and care home residents are managed.

Chair Cllr Vivienne Windle said: “Looking at it as a planning matter, there are no planning grounds really for refusal as has been explained by the planning officer.”

The care home will need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission.