RESIDENTS registered their anger at plans to turn a detached house into a children’s home.

A meeting at Holy Trinity Rosehill Primary School in Hartburn, Stockton, on Thursday night heard claims that the plan was a “done deal.”

Some residents are angry because Stockton Borough Council has bought the home on Darlington Road in Hartburn before a public consultation and before change of use has been granted by the council’s planning committee.

Hartburn councillor, Ken Lupton, leader of the Conservative group, spoke at the meeting and has expressed his concern at what he describes as the “clandestine” council policy of buying homes before talking to the public several times.

However he praised the idea of bringing vulnerable children, who often have emotional problems, back to Stockton rather than sending them across the country.

He said: “The council decided some time ago that it was our responsibility to provide for children in need.

“It was determined, quite rightly, that we look to bring children back into their borough.”

If permission is granted to turn the house into a home for five children, it will be managed by Scottish company Spark of Genius.