PLANS have been submitted to turn a Darwen terraced house into a 'crisis' home for a child with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Associated Wellbeing propose to convert 251 Blackburn Road for the purpose.

It wants to turn the two-bedroomed house into a children's home for a maximum of one child (aged from seven to 18 years), with up to three carers..

The firm - based at The Lighthouse, 282 Blackburn Road, Darwen - have applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for the change of use.

A supporting statement says: "Associated Wellbeing is seeking planning permission to use 251 Blackburn Road, Darwen, as a small specialist care home for one child with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

"It will through Ofsted have a stringent impact risk assessment to ensure it will integrate with the local community.

"This will be for emergency housing for a child (a crisis placement).

"The property is a two-bedroomed terraced house with on-street parking.

"It is close to local facilities and a bus stop.

"The applicant has had regular discussions with Annette Mcneil, Lancashire County Council's senior commissioner, who can confirm the urgent need for the home.

"The proposed children's home seeks to replicate as closely as possible a normal family environment.

"This type of provision, which government policy is promoting, is to help children who, often through no fault of their own, have not had good parenting in their early years.

"These are not children with special needs.

"The proposal is to register the property as a registered children's home for only one child aged seven to 18 years

"He/she would be looked after by a maximum of three carers, two of whom will sleep/be awake overnight on a rota basis.

"The purpose of the home would be to support the children to build their confidence, help them in developing life skills and prepare them for life when they leave the home to fend for themselves.

"This type of support has been found to be most effective in helping these children to have normal lives and not experience problems in later life.

"During the day it is expected that the children would engage in various activities plus attend a mainstream or special school.

"In some cases the children may receive some home schooling but only while they settle in.

"This is all achieved online without any tutors having to go to the house.

"The length of stay is generally more than temporary or passing.

"It would not be a halfway house or provide overnight emergency lodgings for example."