The conversion of a terraced family house into a small care home for two teenagers has been approved at the second attempt.

The scheme in Towneley Street in Burnley's Queensgate ward was granted planning permission by councillors after the applicant upgraded the proposed accommodation and promised to use it to look after Lancashire youngsters.

Haven Retreat Care's original proposal which was for five to 12-year-old residents was refused in August 2023.

But after amendments to show a revised layout within the property to accommodate two older children (Age 12 plus) from Lancashire living together with carers in a children’s home environment, it has been approved by Burnley's Development Control Committee with five conditions.

A report by planning officer Melanie Jackson told councillors at the March meeting: "The application site is a two-bedroom inner-terrace house of traditional stone and slate construction, with dwellings to either side in an established residential area.

"The house has an enclosed rear yard with a single-storey ‘outrigger’ extension currently used as a kitchen.

"The home would accommodate up to two children and includes the removal of the existing outrigger kitchen extension with a larger rear single-storey extension and the conversion of the attic to provide additional living accommodation.

"Support to the young persons at the home would be provided by three members of staff.

"Staff would work on a shift basis.

"The home would aim to provide the young persons with an environment as close as possible to a normal family home. They would take meals together and help with daily chores.

"They would each have their own bedroom but would share other facilities in the home.

"Following discussions with both the agent and provider with Lancashire County Council's Children's Health the proposal is now for older children (age 12 plus) to provide local homes for Lancashire children.

"The property will accommodate a bedroom, bathroom and playroom/study on the first floor.

"The application also seeks to convert the attic room to a bedroom with an en-suite and with natural daylight and ventilation provided by three Velux rooflights.

"The site is an existing family dwelling, and it is considered that the proposed use caring for up to two older children will be different from that of a family dwelling as they are not related to each other.

"However, the proposal allows for individual bedrooms and a playroom for the two children to have adequate private facilities."