St Aidan's respite centre extension plan decision due

Blackburn with Darwen Council's adults, community and prevention department is seeking to extend the six-bedroom facility at St Aidan's Avenue in Blackburn.

A planning application was submitted proposing to build an extension which will form a living room at the centre, which caters for adults with complex behavioural and physical needs, including those with mental health needs who are not sectioned under the mental health act.

The centre operates as the council's short term breaks service, providing a guesthouse to enable people who have a learning disability to enjoy respite.

The council’s planning and highways committee meets next Thursday, with members recommended to grant approval for the development.

In a report to go before the committee, planning officer Rebecca Halliwell said: "The proposal will deliver a high quality development. The proposal is also satisfactory from a technical point of view, with all issues having been addressed through the application, or capable of being controlled or mitigated through planning conditions

"The proposed development will not result in any significant harm to the character and appearance of the existing dwelling or the surrounding area nor will it cause any significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents.

"The proposal will not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety."

The works will include a new porch to provide an independent entrance, building an extension creating a living room and remodelling of existing self-contained bedroom and bathroom.

It is also proposed to create an off street parking space with automated gate off Spring Bank Close, replace existing metal fencing and extending a wall in its place, and build new fencing/wall within the grounds to separate the garden to suit service users.

The proposed extension for the home, which has a CQC rating of good, will not increase the total number of units, rather enhance one of them with an additional facility of a living room.