A new home for vulnerable children who may have suffered abuse and other kinds of trauma has been approved.

Bosses behind the project in St Richard's Road, Deal say they are delighted after it was given planning permission in a unanimous decision by district councillors.

Sophie Seymour, director of care for Back on Track Children's Services SE Ltd, which is based in the town, described the help they plan to give and why children will be looked after at the home.

She said: "We are very happy with the outcome. The benefit to the children is they will live in a stable and consistent environment, with staff who are well trained to support their needs.

"The children we look after can come from a variety of backgrounds.

"Some of them may have experienced trauma such as: neglect, the loss of one or both parents, parents who misuse drugs or alcohol, being subjected to domestic violence, or physical and sexual abuse to name a few."

It will be for eight to 18-year-olds with autism and learning difficulties.

"The children we look after can come from a variety of backgrounds and some of them may have experienced trauma..."

Councillors agreed to the plans during Thursday's planning committee meeting at Dover District Council headquarters adding to Back on Track's two other homes in Walmer – Dover Road, where it is based, plus Walmer Castle Road.

It came after 18 letters of objection had been sent to the council by members of the public, mainly from people fearing traffic dangers from the new home.

Mrs Seymour added: "There are also children who have autism, ADHD and other diagnoses that impact their ability to regulate their emotions and understand the world around them effectively.

"Some of the children we look after will require specialist support to manage their behaviour positively.

"There is a wide range of children with different needs that require accommodating within this sector.

"I would like to provide a safe and caring environment for these children to receive the support they need and deserve."

Mrs Seymour said the children at the new home would have as normal a life as possible, going to school and in the evenings taking part in activities within the community or attending clubs.

The youngsters at the company's other homes currently attend activities such as like music lessons, gymnastics, boxing and a local youth club.

Mrs Seymour said Back on Track is planning to organise a coffee morning closer to the new home's opening date when local residents will be invited to speak about any concerns they may have and learn more about the company's work.

Residents against the scheme said there is a lack of on-site spaces and an inability for vehicles to turn on site.

"I would like to provide a safe and caring environment for these children..."

They claimed the development would lead to parking on the road, causing safety problems.

They also fear noise and disturbance from the use of the parking areas and the levels of comings and goings and from some of the residents themselves.

Mrs Seymour, in her submission to the council, said her organisation always took road risk into consideration.

A supporting letter from Kent County Council said the home would be for children with challenges such as emotional and behavioural difficulties, learning disabilities and/or autism.

It said it relied on groups such as Back on Track to provide such services.