PLANS to convert a former church and guest house into a children's care home have been scrapped by the applicant.

The Social Work Company had lodged plans to turn the vacant Chapel Guest House in St Brides, near Newport, into a residential care home for up to four children.

Several objections were made against the plans from residents with concerns about the suitability of the area for a children's care home.

Wentlooge Community Council was also among those to object to the proposed scheme.

Objectors said the small hamlet lacks suitable facilities for the development, with no play areas or parks, and no school within walking distance.

The lack of a regular bus service, shops and medical facilities were also raised.

In a statement, the community council expressed fears children could be left with "an air of isolation."

Another resident said children would be "bored senseless" in the area.

"Having a children's home in a sleepy retirement area is a ridiculous notion," the objector wrote.

"With two main cities (Newport and Cardiff) in the locality it is obvious that such a project would be better considered in one on these cities with access to countless amenities and stimulus for young minds."

But the applicant has now withdrawn the application and says the site will no longer be pursued for the proposal.

However, it says objections from residents were not the reason for withdrawing.

James Newport, managing director of The Social Work Company, said: "The Social Work Company had intended to purchase the Chapel Guest House with the intention of opening a four-bedroom children’s home.

"Alongside the purchase process an application was made for change of use.

"However, due to issues with the legal title of the property, we decided to withdraw from the purchase of the property before Christmas and consequently also withdrew the application for change of use as we would not own the property.

"We are currently looking for suitable alternative properties."

Originally built as Rehoboth Baptist Church in 1828, the property was converted to a guest house in the 1980s.

The application had proposed staff being on site to provide care 24-hours a day, 365 days a year on a rota basis with a minimum of two carers on site at all times.

The Social Work Company provides residential placements for children and young people aged 10 to 17 with Newport City Council.