PLANS for a centre for homeless and disabled children have been rejected.

About two dozen residents of Ramsey cheered at a Tendring Council planning meeting, after the unanimous decision to turn down the application.

Applicant Mr V Molulu had hoped to convert his six-bedroom family home, in Windmill House, The Street, Ramsey, into a residential care centre housing up to five young people at a time.

Planning officers had recommended approval, despite concerns raised by the Highways Agency and fire service.

But councillors said they were not convinced the driveway leading to the property was wide enough.

They were concerned about road safety and expressed doubts about whether fire appliances would be able to access the building quickly.

Residents claimed there would be nothing for children to do locally.

Mr Molulu disputed the objections. He said: “In terms of what we are trying to do, it is giving disadvantaged children a chance to have a better future.”

But councillors voted to reject the application, on grounds of highway safety and access.

Hillary Shear, of the Ramsey Action Group, said the decision would benefit the community and childrren who may have been housed at the centre.

She said: “There is nothing for 12 to 16-year-olds to do and the bus service is half a kilometre away.

“There is nothing for them except to cause trouble.”