Plans have been put forward to turn a former pub into a children 's home.

This is to convert the White Horse building in Church Hill, Eythorne, into a residence for up to four youngsters with autism and ADHD.

The application will be voted on by Dover District Council's planning committee on Thursday.

An officers' report to members said: "The proposed change of use is intended to support children for whom, due to their particular needs, it is considered that family living is not currently an appropriate option.

"The goal is to provide a secure base and long-term support for children who either have a diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or require assessment."

The care will be day and night and all year with a one adult to child ratio.

The centre will bring in boys and girls aged seven to 13 and they can stay there until they are 16.

It is intended that the youngsters will attend local schools but some may have extra home tutoring.

Their social workers will visit every six weeks and the home will be inspected by Ofsted every year.

The plan is for the basement to be used as sensory room, secure room and for cinema screening, music and soft seating.

The ground floor would be a lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility area, office, games room and for storage.

The first floor is for bedrooms for children and staff.

"Officials say this use would help meet a need for vulnerable children."

The applicant is a Richard Tooher of Higham in Gravesham.

The White Horse was a pub until 2007 and its currently used as a bed and breakfast accommodation.

Opinion to the scheme from neighbours is divided.

Exactly 10 are against it, saying it is too close to a busy road and there is inadequate parking.

They also say the loss of the existing use would reduce the economic benefits to the village.

A total nine are for it, saying it would provide employment and benefit local trades.

Planning officers recommend approval of the application.

They argue that this use would help meet a need for vulnerable children.

They say the building is the right size and in the right place, for example the village school, Eythorne Elvington Community Primary, is a short walk up Church Hill and on the same side of the road.

The planning committee meeting is from 6pm on Thursday at the district council headquarters at the White Cliffs Business Park in Whitfield.

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