A SIX bedroom family house could become a care home for four children with social and emotional needs

Thrive Residential Properties Ltd of Audley Range, Blackburn, has applied to Hyndburn Council for the change of use for 7 Beech Crescent, Altham.

A supporting statement with the planning application says: "The property currently comprises a large six bedroom detached single dwellinghouse with garaging, off street car parking and garden areas to the front, side and rear.

"The property is located within the main built-up development area and is surrounded on all sides by residential properties.

"The proposed use as a care home for up to four children living together as a household, with on-site staff support over a 24 hour period, would be commensurate with the character of the wider local area.

"The children residing within the property will vary in age from eight to 18 years of age.

"The facility will be managed by a home manager who be on site 9am to 5pm, and operated by up to four full time members of staff at any one time, working on an agreed rota shift pattern, with two members of staff on site during overnight hours with a bedroom provided.

"Up to four members of staff will be on site from 8am to 11pm, with two staff members on site between the hours of 11am and 8am, with one Member of staff on an awake shift throughout the night.

"The proposal is seeking to provide accommodation for up to 4 children at any one time.

"These children will have social and emotional needs which can be cared for and supported within the facility, with the children effectively living together as a family with on site support.

"The children will attend local education establishments and staff will have access to a company car to transport the children to and from school.

"A Registered Manager as a nominated individual will monitor and ensure the health and safety of the facility.

"It is important to recognise that the proposals are in reality simply seeking to secure consent for a varied form of residential use within a residential area.

"Further, that should this facility have been for the care of adults, that planning permission would not have been required."