A SENIOR councillor has expressed concern over the 'mushrooming industry' of turning family houses into small care homes.

The deputy chairman of Hyndburn Council's planning committee Cllr Judith Addison has asked for a full report on the growth of applications for certificates of lawful use for such proposals.

She said: "We are getting a lot of these.

"This is a mushrooming industry of turning family houses into care homes.

"Residents don't think this is right.

"They think these applications are being made and often passed in inappropriate locations.

"We need some guidance and policies on this.

"It isn't going to go away."

She made her comments after this month's meeting of Hyndburn Council's planning committee deferred considering an application for Certificate of Lawful Development to use 30 Epping Avenue in Altham as small children's care home until the next meeting on September 7

It will also consider a similar application for 10 Troutbeck in Clayton-le-Moors.

Borough planning manager Simon Prideaux promised councillors he would fully investigate the planning rules and laws in the issue and provide information and guidance to the September 7 meeting.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee chairman Cllr Dave Smith said: "I would agree this is a mushrooming industry.

"It is a lucrative business especially in East Lancashire where houses are cheaper than down south.

"You need policies on this especially as planners can't imposes conditions on Certificates of Lawful Development.

"We looked at this and now have two policies on small care homes for adults and children.

"This means that unless our children's or adult services say there is a local need for the home in question, the presumption is that we will refuse it."

One Hyndburn resident contacted the Lancashire Telegraph to express her concern about the issue.

She said: "I’ve noticed you have been reporting on businesses buying up dozens of three and four bedroom family homes.

"Most local authorities are being strict and limiting these or rejecting them totally except for Hyndburn Council who is allowing them at an alarming rate.

"We have real concerns as these homes are not for local children but children from hundreds of miles away.

"It’s all about the money not the care and anything can happen and does.

"Children abscond regularly."