A proposal to convert a garage into a day room for people with behavioural difficulties has been approved.

Moordean, a detached house in Oak Lane, Minster, is set to become a care home for up to six residents with learning disabilities and “additional behaviours”.

It will be run by Insight Behavioural Services, with residents expected to move from the Old Rectory in Eastchurch this year.

Planning permission was not required to rehouse them in Minster, but the application for the garage conversion sparked opposition from neighbours.

A site meeting took place after the decision was deferred by the committee on March 12.

Speaking at a meeting on April 2, Cllr Andy Booth (Con) said: “Oak Lane is a particularly difficult road to traverse at the best of times. It’s predominantly a single track.”

He suggested the application would cause “demonstrable harm” to the quality of life of the immediate neighbours saying the day room could be in use “24/7” and could be used for parties.

He added: “This part of the Island is very tranquil and that’s why residents live in that area.”

Cllr Mike Henderson (Lib Dem) said: “It was quite clear that there is adequate parking spaces left between the main house and the road and up on the corner on the side so we are not creating any problems with parking and that was one of the issues that was raised at the site meeting.

“Day rooms don’t get used 24/7, they get used during the day. I think we are overstating it if we start talking about parties and so forth.”

Cllr Ghlin Whelan (Lab) said: “This is a care home we are talking about with the garage being used for something other than a garage.

“It’s not being used by people we would think would make a lot of noise. It’s a care home and I think it should be encouraged.”

A motion to approve the application was tied eight to eight so the decision came down to chairman Richard Barnicott who voted in favour.