A bid has been launched to change the use of a bungalow from a traditional home into a long-term facility for children in care.

Asaf Niaz is seeking permission to provide a permanent residence for a maximum of three children within the bungalow he owns on Whalley Road in Wilpshire.

Mr Niaz has confirmed that should he be given the green light, the facility would be registered with the education watchdog Ofsted.

Documents submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council on his behalf read: “The facts of the matter are that the provision in this case will be a household.

“The children will reside there permanently. While the carer may change from time to time, the principle remains that there will be constant and permanent adult supervision for the children whose home this will provide.”

Documents went on the argue that for all intents and purposes, there will be ‘no apparent change’ in the residential use of the property.

They read: “The proposal is in our opinion, a more modern appreciation of a family home, acknowledging that this does not have a one-size-fits-all operation or appearance.

“The property will be the main or sole residence of the children.

“It will operate as a single household with all communal spaces shared, the adult supervisors and young people will eat together and all will sleep at the property.

“The property will run like any other home, acknowledging that today’s homelife is often quite different from that which was the ‘standard’ and tradition view of a home; two adults, two children all blood related.

“A care home comes in many different forms these days and it would be unfair and unjust to categorise a non-traditional version as a lesser home.

“In particular, in this case, where children in care will be offered a chance to live as a single household with caring adults, there seems no great or more appropriate classification.”

Neighbours living nearby and other relevant authorities have been consulted on the proposed changes.

A spokesman for Wilpshire Parish Council said: “Although this is a certificate of lawful use [application] and the Parish Council would not be consulted it would like to comment as

follows.

“The Parish Council are concerned that whilst this is a detached property it is not physically separated from its neighbours.

“The Parish Council has serious concerns that the change of use would lead to loss of amenity to neighbouring properties because of its close proximity to neighbours.

“It also has concerns about the location of the property being near the A666, this stretch of road is already a community speed concern area.”