Worried residents ramp up opposition to care home plan for busy street in Kirkby

The “high-quality” home for three children who are “in residential placement” has been lined up for a site that is currently an overgrown, unused garden next to number 5, Orchard Road.

A planning application, submitted to Ashfield District Council, says the youngsters would be under-18s who have had a poor start in life, for various possible reasons, and need extra support, including a stable family environment.

The home would be managed by a professional operator, and the youngsters would be cared for round the clock by trained and qualified staff.

However, residents on Orchard Road are not happy and almost 50 letters or comment of objection have been posted on the website of the council ahead of its expected decision or recommendation next month.

Most claim that the site is not suitable for such a care home, especially as the street is blighted by traffic and parking problems and sits close to Orchard Primary School and Nursery.

Others have expressed concerns about the fledgling company that has been earmarked to run the business.

In one post, a resident said: “I see the commotion caused by traffic on this small, dead-end street throughout the day.

"The street is being used for parking by teachers and dinner staff at the local school, workers from a nearby industrial estate and customers at local shops. Sometimes I can’t even park near my own house, let alone outside it.

"During the school rush-hour, this street becomes extremely chaotic. The traffic is a huge concern and already an accident waiting to happen. I do not believe a commercial property here would help in any way.”

Another resident commented: “Orchard Road is not the place for the proposed home. The residents don’t want the disruption it would bring. It’s a quiet street for retired people and families.”

Some neighbours were also concerned about the loss of green space and the impact on the environment the home might have, including the habitats of local wildlife, such as owls, foxes and hedgehogs.

While others feared “the potential for anti-social behaviour”, a “loss of privacy” and a possible rise in crime, given that “we already have an HMO (house in multiple occupation) across the road from the site”.

A young mum said: “This proposed use is not compatible with the established, family-orientated nature of Orchard Road. A care facility operating on a 24-hour basis would inevitably introduce increased noise and disturbance.”

The company that would run the home is Four Oaks Care Ltd, based in Pleasley Vale. According to Companies House, it was only incorporated as recently as November, 2025.

Its sole director is listed as 23-year-old Adam Craddock, of Huthwaite, who previously ran a music and video business, now dissolved, called Xero Productions Ltd.

Mr Craddock’s father, Paul Craddock, has previously represented Ashfield Independents at local elections – in the Hucknall West ward for Ashfield District Council in 2023 and in the Sutton Central and East ward for Nottinghamshire County Council last year. He was not elected on either occasion.

Ashfield Independents are the ruling political party at Ashfield Council, and one of its leading luminaries is Coun Tom Hollis, deputy leader of the council.

According to Companies House, the wife of Coun Hollis, Hannah Hollis, 33, is one of four shareholders for Four Oaks Care Ltd, alongside Adam Craddock. She is the boss of a retail firm called Stan’s Stable Ltd.

The other shareholders are listed as business partners, 44-year-old Daniel Skillington, who submitted the care home planning application, and 39-year-old Jemal Mazlum.

Companies House says Mr Skillington is a director of building firm Abbey Construction (Ravenshead) Ltd, while Mr Mazlum is a director of property developer Abbey Holdings (Ravenshead) Ltd and management consultancy S&M Holdings (Ravenshead) Ltd.

Some Orchard Road objectors fear that Four Oaks and its bosses do not possess the necessary know-how to operate within the field of the care of vulnerable children.

In a post on the council’s website, one resident said: “I have been unable to find any evidence of them ever having been involved in this sector.

"Running a children’s home, especially one that cares for teenagers with complex needs, requires specialised experience and child-protection expertise. My impression is that this is a totally profit-driven venture.”

However, the agents for the scheme, SDP Architecture, of Leicestershire, insist Four Oaks Care is a wholly suitable company and has outlined why the care home is badly needed.

A statement says: “Four Oaks Care Ltd is a specialist provider of high-quality residential care for vulnerable children and young people who, due to a range of complex circumstances, are unable to reside safely within their family homes.

"The home would offer a secure, nurturing and permanent residence. The focus would be on providing each child stability, routine and positive integration in the local community.

"The necessity for such provision is pronounced in Ashfield, where significant social and economic challenges persist and local councils face increasing demand for suitable residential placements for children with complex needs.

"Staffing at the home would adhere strictly to Ofsted requirements, with qualified carers, trained in areas such as safeguarding and child exploitation, and a registered manager overseeing operations.

"The home would function discreetly and professionally, maintaining respect for neighbours. Four Oaks Care aims to be a positive presence in the local community.”

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/