A large house in Highworth could be used as a children’s home.

Ruth Parker, of Park Blue Homes, a private provider of residential homes for children, has applied for permission to change the use of Highlands in Swindon Road from a bed and breakfast to a home for youngsters.

Highlands is still operating as a B&B for visitors to the town.

The submitted plans show the building would have five large bedrooms, all with an ensuite lavatory and bath, as well as a kitchen/breakfast room, living room and dining room.

The County Durham company, which already runs Summer’s End, a home for three children near Castle Combe in Wiltshire, said in a statement: “Park Blue Homes strives to provide exciting places for young people to live. We want our young people to feel they are in a safe, caring and stable environment, surrounded by a team of committed and highly-trained people in all of our homes.

"Each home benefits from being in close proximity to local towns for all essential amenities.”

Highlands is just south of the centre of Highworth on the main route in from Swindon.

It is not necessary for an applicant to own a property to make a planning application, and it is common to try and get permission before offering to buy a property.