A REGISTERED childminder has made a second attempt to turn a pair of semi-detached houses into a nursery.

Javed Patel had submitted a planning application to convert 53 and 55 Palmer Road, Shear Brow, Blackburn, into an Ofsted approved children's day care facility.

But he withdrew it after officials queried its impact on local roads and highway safety.

Now his agent Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd has submitted a report by a qualified transport consultant to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It says: "The highway accident data has been reviewed for the most recently available three-year road safety record for the area surrounding the site. The data does not demonstrate any patterns or trends of incidents that could be affected by the development proposals.

"The accessibility of the site for non-car modes of travel has been assessed.

"It is considered that the site is well located to offer access by foot for children residing within the local catchment area. Existing infrastructure and public transport services also cater for staff journeys by sustainable modes.

"The nursery would not generate a significant level of vehicular activity.

"Recent works have also taken place to increase on-site parking provision."

A planning statement with the application says: "The applicant is highly regarded within the local area and recognised for providing high-quality day care in a safe and nurturing environment.

"He seeks to expand the service into an Ofsted Registered child day care facility, not only providing a vital service to the local community but also establishing a business venture which creates employment opportunities for local people.

"The application site comprises a pair of semi-detached properties of two storeys, occupying a corner position, close to the junction of Palmer Road and Park Avenue.

"The intended catchment area would comprise the surrounding residential streets.

"The accommodation would be set over two storeys and include activity rooms, sleeping rooms and associated WC provision.

"The proposed operating hours would be daytime hours.

"Recent figures have singled out Blackburn as effectively the ‘youngest’ town in Europe; almost one in four residents of the borough are under the age of 15.

"As such, the demand for childcare is forever increasing.

"The comings and goings to and from the property would be indistinguishable from the general activity already seen along Park Avenue and Palmer Road."