DOCTORS wanting to set up a care home for young women with Princess Di-type eating problems have been turned down.

But supporters of the Burnley Health Care Trust idea may still get their way.

They are appealing against a decision by Pendle councillors to refuse permission for the home, in Colne Road, Reedley, which sparked off months of controversy when neighbours objected to the plan.

A public inquiry, set for mid February, will now determine what happens.

Burnley Health Care want to turn a large semi detached house into a group care home for up to six patients and two nursing staff.

They argue the home is needed because people with eating disorders respond better to treatment if they can learn to overcome their difficulties in home-like surroundings, rather than being in psychiatric wards in a general hospital.

Planning officers told councillors on Tuesday night they had no good reason to refuse permission.

However, on a majority decision, they decided the application was not in accordance with the council's planning policy guidelines for care homes.

The plan they discussed was a modified version of an original proposal and did not include an external fire escape.

Hospital estates manager Ken Loughlin says Burnley Health Care will appeal against the council's latest decision

The public inquiry, headed by an independent inspector, will consider the original plan. Mr Loughlin said he hoped the latest refusal would be considered at the same time.

If the council loses the appeal the health trust could get permission to go ahead with its original idea. The council could also have to meet all the costs.

Mr Loughlin said the hospital wanted to treat patients with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

They would usually be young women aged between 16 and 24, and would stay at the house for about three months, sharing domestic duties.

Objectors say it is a commercial venture which would be inappropriate and detrimental to the high quality residential neighbourhood. But supporters of the Burnley Health Care Trust idea may still get their way.

They are appealing against a decision by Pendle councillors to refuse permission for the home, in Colne Road, Reedley, which sparked off months of controversy when neighbours objected to the plan.

A public inquiry, set for mid February, will now determine what happens.

Burnley Health Care want to turn a large semi detached house into a group care home for up to six patients and two nursing staff.

They argue the home is needed because people with eating disorders respond better to treatment if they can learn to overcome their difficulties in home-like surroundings, rather than being in psychiatric wards in a general hospital.

Planning officers told councillors on Tuesday night there had no good reason to refuse permission.

However, on a majority decision, they decided the application was not in accordance with the council's planning policy guidelines for care homes.

The plan they discussed was a modified version of an original proposal and did not include an external fire escape.

Hospital estates manager Ken Loughlin says Burnley Health Care will appeal against the council's latest decision

The public inquiry, headed by an independent inspector, will consider the original plan. Mr Loughlin said he hoped the latest refusal would be considered at the same time.

If the council loses the appeal the health trust could get permission to go ahead with its original idea. The council could also have to meet all the costs.

Mr Loughlin said the hospital wanted to treat patients with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. They would usually be young women aged between 16 and 24, and would stay at the house for about three months, sharing domestic duties.

Objectors say it is a commercial venture which would be inappropriate and detrimental to the high quality residential neighbourhood.

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