A children's home in a village just outside Grantham has finally received planning approval despite concerns over it's 'isolation' and whether such a home was needed.

Members of the planning committee of South Kesteven District Council backed officer recommendation to approve the scheme, albeit with a few abstentions.

The application from Portsmouth-based Protea Care Ltd was to change the use of Heath Farm, Newgate Lane, Londonthorpe, from a house into a children's residential home.

As Nub News recently reported, planning committee last month deferred a decision last month to seek more information about how the company would work with Lincolnshire County and over concerns over the site's 'isolation.'

Several members, including Coun Penny Milnes (Ind-Loveden Heath), believed there was no need for such a development.

Coun Phil Dilks (Ind-Deeping St James) said he was worried South Lincolnshire was being used as "a cheap place" to relocate children to.

Coun Harrish Bisnauthsing was concerned the area was being used as "a dumping ground."

Coun Louise Clack (Lab- Grantham Earlesfield) branded such comments 'offensive.'

Coun Jacky Smith (Con- Grantham St Wulfram's) said many children would benefit from such a home.

"We should be welcoming the work they are doing."

She added: "This is something that is needed. Does it matter where the children come from? Why on Earth are we trying to stop something good from happening? I am very sad [at the opposition shown]. We are thinking about humanity."

Earlier, planning officials told the meeting that the applicant, as a commercial venture, will have done their own studies to assess a need, but this was not a material planning issue.

They also warned that opposing the development, which used an existing building, had no valid reasons for refusal. A refusal would be difficult to 'stand up' at any appeal, leaving the council liable for costs.