SWINDON Council has launched an investigation into whether a children's home has the right to exist in a residential property.

The home for three 11 to 16-year-olds in Okebourne Park, Liden opened on Monday and is run by private firm Pro-active Care.

But there are concerns that a covenant exists on the building, which prohibits any business from being run from there.

Dorcan ward councillor, Roderick Bluh, said: "I am informed that to run any business from the proposed property would be in breach of a covenant. I would therefore support any action to ensure that the covenant is upheld and enforced.

"With regard to the proposed home, the establishment of any such care facility within a community is of genuine public interest to the neighbouring residents and they have a right to be concerned. I note with concern that Mr Irandoust (a spokesman for Pro-active Care) says he is not prepared to listen to the neighbours' concerns or to negotiate with them.

"I do not believe that this is a professional way to deal with a matter of public interest."

A council spokeswoman said: "We are investigating the property and the planning position."

Pro-active Care was not available to comment, but last week they said they were not in breach of the covenant because only three children will reside in the home.