PLANS to convert a six-bedroom house in Birkenhead into "supported living" accommodation for teenagers leaving care have been rejected by council planners.

A report before planning committee on Wednesday recommended the scheme in Alexandra Road should be given the go-ahead.

It proposed accommodation for "semi-independent living" for up to eight 16-to-18-year-old young adults to stay at any one time, sharing a communal lounge and kitchen area. Staff would be on hand 24-hours-a-day to provide supervision.

But local residents had signed a petition, concerned that if approved, the scheme would compromise their safety, lead to disturbance and noise and increase traffic problems.

Addressing committee members before the vote was cast Claughton councillor George Davies, speaking on behalf of residents, said he had reservations about the scheme.

He added: "The property has been looked after and it fits the criteria we are looking for.

"However, putting eight people of care into an area that's predominantly residential is not appropriate for the area.

"There are concerns over the size of the bedrooms. You couldn't fit a bed in three of them.

"There will be no visitors allowed at the property; the people living there will have to go out to meet their friends. They will not be alllowed back in the house."