A property once discovered to be a cannabis farm could now become a children’s home.

Plans have been submitted to Medway Council for 64 Rochester Crescent in Hoo.

The application was sent by Onyx Haven LTD on Friday, March 21, for a change of use.

It would provide a “residential care facility” for up to five children between eight and 16.

In the design and access statement, the company says there will be a focus on “well-being and development“.

The five-bedroom detached property – thought to be worth £500,000-plus – currently has two reception rooms, a dining room, a study room, three toilets, two bathrooms and a large kitchen.

There is also parking space out the front for up to four cars.

If approved, only “minor alterations” would be needed for the home.

The study room is set to be repurposed as an additional children’s bedroom and the existing office space to the right of the lounge would become a second sleeping area for staff working on rotational shifts.

The property itself has a tainted past. In May, a search warrant was carried out by police.

Officers found a makeshift bed in the kitchen, which was the only room not being used to grow cannabis.

In total, there were 1,069 plants – including 479 baby plants – across nine rooms.

Neighbours along the residential road previously told KentOnline the door of the house had been left wide open and a mound of rubbish remained on the driveway days after the arrest.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Amarildo Imeri was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison after being charged with the production of a class B drug.

In the new plans submitted, the building would be made fully accessible with wide doorways, ramps and special bathroom facilities.

Secure fencing would be added along with an outdoor play area and sensory garden in the back.

It adds: “The nature of the proposed use will not lead to unacceptable levels of noise or disturbance.

“The operation of the home will adhere to quiet hours, and the number of children will be kept at a manageable level, ensuring minimal impact on the local community.”

There will be no external changes to the property, apart from safety measures such as security locks, controlled access points, alarms and CCTV.

Onyx Haven LTD says the home would be a “safe, nurturing and accessible environment” and provide “much-needed care services for vulnerable children”.

However, the plans haven’t been positively received by nearby residents.

Neighbours Julia and Peter Daniels have already objected. They wrote: “This part of Rochester Crescent is mainly lived in by retired couples and is relatively quiet.

At the end of the day, we’re worried about the aggravation it's going to cause

“A children’s home would increase the noise level drastically.

“64 Rochester Crescent is also situated on a blind corner which could be dangerous to children, extra parking on the road would also be a nuisance.”

George Downey received a letter notifying him of the plans on Monday (March 31).

The 81-year-old retiree is also concerned about noise levels and anti-social behaviour.

“At the end of the day, we’re worried about the aggravation it's going to cause,” he explained.

“They say there’s plenty of room for parking, which isn’t true – the road is packed with cars most days and certainly in the evenings.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

The planning document concludes: “The design and layout of the property ensure that the children’s home will be fully functional while respecting the existing structure and character of the building.

“The proposal offers minimal disruption to the local community and enhances the availability of vital care services for children in the area.

“The development meets all necessary design, accessibility, and sustainability criteria, ensuring a positive impact on both the local community and the children who will reside in the property.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Hoo Parish Council is set to be consulted on Wednesday, March 26.

Details of the application can be seen on Medway Council's website under application number MC/25/0603.