A ROW has erupted over controversial plans to house adults with learning difficulties in Potters Bar.

The scheme would see “not more than five” residents at the home in Dugdale Hill Lane, but has met with fierce opposition from residents.

Fears over the safety of the scheme have been raised along with 23 objections and two petitions from immediate neighbours.

Of the 25 responses the council has received to the plan, none are in favour.

Hertsmere councillor Ron Morris also criticised the plan.

He told the Potters Bar Edition: “The first application was refused and straight away another application has gone in and is still being considered by the legal team.

“I’m not happy to give it a certificate [of lawful development], what I would like is a proper application.”

Cllr Morris said he was “very much concerned” about safety at the centre, which he says would see staff supervising the residents until 5pm, “leaving them [the residents] with cookers and central heating”.

He also complained that the woman running the house, Mulenga Chanda, would get “�1,000 to �1,700” in benefits per resident.

Mrs Chanda said she had a masters degree in health and social care and that the residents were “no different” to other residents and would not cause “any harm or destruction”.

She dismissed Cllr Morris’ concerns as “very sad” and she added: “I feel for him because the people [residents] are looking for him to do it [oppose the application].”

The application also says the housemates will “live and eat together as a family”.

And that carers will “only be coming to support the service users if at all they need support or for shopping, cooking, cleaning as needed.”

But Mrs Mulenga said there would be staff at the house on a 24-hour basis.