West Norfolk members voted to allow the homes, on Folgate Lane in Walpole St Andrew, to remain open following a retrospective planning application.

The two bungalows are run by Bright Future Homes and are each used to accommodate up to three children aged between eight and 18.

The provider has argued the homes provide a place where vulnerable children are “loved” and that it is not intending to “disrupt a community”.

Folgate Lane in Walpole St Andrew, near Wisbech (Image: Google)

However, locals told the planning committee that life on the street had changed dramatically since the homes opened last July.

A neighbour speaking at the meeting said many residents were increasingly worried about their "mental health and safety" and described a series of incidents linked to the homes.

In one case, a young person had to be taken away in handcuffs after a disturbance.

In another, a child shouted abuse, kicked fences and........

© Eastern Daily Press