PLANS to build a children's home have been lodged to Tendring Council.

A full planning application to change a residential home in Wivenhoe Road, Ardleigh, into a children's home was submitted by Shalamar Children Ltd.

The company has two existing homes operating in Boxted which provide accommodation for up to four children.

The organisation is now looking to provide a similar facility in Ardleigh.

A planning statement from the company, lodged to Tendring Council's planning portal, said: "There is a national shortage of children's homes and the organisation receives a high level of enquiries from authorities, who are looking to place children."

The children have typically been placed within foster care and it has been decided that a care home would provide an alternative - and more therapeutic way - of looking after youngsters.

It is hoped the children could stay at the home for several years.

The statement added: "The change of the use of this dwelling will result in no physical changes to the exterior of the building and the new use will have many similarities to the current use.

"The proposals will enable the provision of a much needed children's care home to accommodate children including those with emotional and behavioural difficulties."

Tendring Council has the final say on the plans.