FIVE more bids to turn domestic houses into small care homes in neighbouring local authorities.

Hyndburn Council has received four new applications and Blackburn with Darwen one.

The five proposals are the latest examples of what one senior councillor has branded 'a mushrooming industry' of such small residential institutions.

The description was given by Cllr Judith Addison, deputy chair of Hyndburn planning committee, at it August meeting when she called for a report on the issue.

She was particularly concerned by the use of certificates of lawful use for such schemes rather than full planning applications

Her Blackburn with Darwen counterpart Cllr Dave Smith said: "We are getting a large number of these applications because properties in East Lancashire are really cheap and I am told the profits from small children's care homes are really high."

In Hyndburn Edward Smethurst of Altham-based Trinity Care and Education Services Limited has recently registered three planning for 'change of use from dwelling to a residential institution'

They are for 4 Queensborough Road in Accrington, 100 Thwaites Road in Oswaldtwistle, and 30 Epping Avenue in Altham.

The last is a reapplication for full planning permission after a previous bid for a certificate of lawful use was turned down which is now subject of an appeal to the government's planing inspectorate.

It has already led to concerned neighbours contacting the Lancashire Telegraph.

The fourth is for 26 Waverley Road in Baxenden by Residential Child Care Community (Town Hall) Ltd of Salford.

The Blackburn with Darwen application for a certificate of lawful use is for 160 Heys Lane, Blackburn, by Paul Carter of Chesterfield-based Blue Ribbon Healthcare Ltd.

A supporting letter for this proposal says: "The applicant is proposing to use the property as a small residential home for a maximum of six adults (between the ages of 18 and 65) receiving care. Residents would live together as a single household.

"No carers will sleep at the property.

"Care would be provided 24 hours a day, with carers working on rotation in shifts.

"Each of the residents will have their own bedroom with access to communal rooms including a dining room, kitchen and lounge.

"The intended residents will live communally - sharing household duties, activities, entertainment etc. Generally, meals will be taken together."

The Epping Avenue application supporting statement says: "The application seeks to change the use of the building to a children’s home, and the use would provide accommodation for a mother and child. Over the duration of the stay, the mother and child will be supported by staff members."