A children’s home on a housing estate is being investigated by Ofsted after complaints from people living in the area.

Last year, a house on Sonora Fields was converted into a home for youngsters aged nine to 17 by private firm Jamores Ltd but a catalogue of problems have been reported, with multiple calls from people living nearby being made to emergency services and Swale council.

A resident of neighbouring Topaz Drive, who did not wish to be named, said: “We have seen children smoking, making lots of noise and generally being annoying in the house and back garden between 10pm and 3am.

“This was a quiet neighbourhood until the home opened.

“The children have thrown stones at windows, shouted abuse at neighbours, threatened people, smoke alarms have been set off as the kids smashed them and the staff appear not to have any control over them and let them do what they wish.

“It is disrupting and upsetting for the whole neighbourhood.”

Cllr James Hunt (Con), who represents The Meads on Swale council, said he had been made aware of complaints of noise and other concerns from the Jacinth Drive property.

“The council and police are monitoring the situation,” he added.

“There are further organisations involved and any concerns the council is unable to deal with are being passed over to them.”

The problems began in May after it emerged the conversion had been approved without residents being notified.

Concerns were raised then about the noise levels and impact on the community.

Swale council confirmed it had received complaints and said Ofsted, which carries out regular inspections of children’s homes, was involved as children were at the centre of the complaints.

An Ofsted spokesman said: “We are aware of the concerns. However, it would not be appropriate to comment further while we are looking into the matter.”

Erith-based Jamores Ltd has not yet responded to a request for comment.