Residents living in one of Wolverhampton’s most prestigious addresses have launched a furious campaign to block plans to turn one of the £350,000 houses into a children’s home.

Over 50 neighbours have signed a petition protesting at the controversial proposal for the three-bedroom detatched property in Wergs Road, Tettenhall. Rajan Kanda has applied to the council for permission to change it into a care home.

Under the scheme, it would house up to four youngsters aged between five and 11.

Retired chartered accountant Mike Cross, 71, who has lived near the house with wife Gillian for 24 years, said: “This is one of the prime residential areas in Wolverhampton and people have made sacrifices to buy property here so that they might enjoy a comfortable and peaceful life.

“The city has suffered enough devaluation over recent years. It would be unacceptable if this decline was to continue as a result of the unwise approval of schemes such as this.”

Mr Kanda attempted to get permission to change the house into a children’s home for ten to 18-year-olds but this was rejected by council officials in May.

The latest application involving younger children is due to be consider by the planning committee on November 4.

Mrs Charanjit Gill, a 38-year-old mother of three living in Wergs Road who oganised the protest petition over the latest application said: “Everybody in the area I asked to sign was very happy to do so.

“A lot of people are angry about this proposal. It is not the right place for a children’s home.”

Mr Kanda was unavailable for comment today.