A MUM whose daughter was run over made an emotional plea to councillors which persuaded them to reject plans for two small care homes in a village cul-de-sac.

Kelly Ball from Bluebell Way, Huncoat, appeared before Hyndburn Council planning committee to outline residents' objections to the proposals.

After hearing how her young child had already been knocked down on the road because of double parking it rejected recommendations from officers to approve the two schemes.

On Thursday, committee debated the two applications for the conversion of the family homes at 7 and 49 Bluebell Way, Huncoat.

Altham-based Prosperity Children's Services Ltd, formerly named Trinity Care and Education Services, had applied to turn the detached house numbers 7 and 49 into residential care homes for a mother and baby (or for two children) supported by up to three carers.

Ms Ball said parking was already a problem on the street even without the extra cars that the two homes would create from staff and visitors.

She said: "My daughter was run over last year due to double parked cars. I don't want any other child to be run over.

"Having applications for two residential homes on one street is extortionate.

"This is a massive deal."

Ms Ball said residents were also concerned about noise and disturbance, the adverse effect on local services and potential crime and anti-social behaviour caused by 'emotionally damaged' child residents.

John Bolton from Prosperity Care said the homes would be well-run, Ofsted registered and have a car sharing travel plan to reduce the need for staff parking at the two properties.

He said the homes were needed to provide a family-style environment for children who had often suffered abuse.

Both the Bluebell Way applications were recommended for approval with conditions by planning officers.

More than 20 neighbouring residents had made objections to the council over the two proposals.

A report by planning boss Simon Prideaux also revealed that Lancashire County Council's children's services department did not support either of the planning applications.

Moving approval of the applications, Huncoat Labour councillor Dave Parkins said: "This is planning and you cannot let your heart rule your head. I cannot find a material planning reason to refuse."

But the ward's Conservative councillors Danny Cassidy and Tory deputy leader Peter Britcliffe said residents' concerns needed to be listened to.

They successfully moved refusal of the two applications on the grounds that they would cause detriment to the residential amenity of the area and have negative impact on highway safety because of parking.