Hyndburn councillors urged to approve two more kids homes

Hyndburn Council planning committee have been recommended to grant permission with four conditions for both schemes on Wednesday - one in Altham and one in Accrington.

The first application for debate concerns a property in Pendle View, Burnley Road, Altham, from Ms Kara Manley of 2gether 4children.

It proposes to turn the three-bedroomed semi-detached house into a residential care home for two children with one sleep-in staff member.

The second home in Willows Lane, Accrington It has generated objections from seven nearby residents on grounds including noise and disturbance, potentially disruptive occupants, additional traffic on busy main road, parking and that the change would be out of character for the neighbourhood.

Altham Parish Council objected 'strongly' to the application on grounds including parking, noise and the safety of the resident children on the 'very busy' A678.

The planning officer's report to councillors says: " The proposal is for two children to be cared for by staff working on a rota, with always one staying overnight.

"The comments of Lancashire County Council Social Services point to the real need for the form of accommodation proposed – a family setting for two looked-after children.

"With the diligence of the care operator, the change of use of the house to a children’s care home would be likely to have minimal adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring houses or the residential area generally."

The second application to be considered relates to a house in Willows Lane, Accrington, which Ashan Arif of Care Services To You Ltd, of Accrington, wants to turn into a residential home for one child aged eight to 17.

It is a two-storey, three-bedroomed semi-detached house.

Objections have been made by 16 neighbours and a petition with 45 signatures has been received on grounds including potential anti-social behaviour; noise and late-night disturbance; parking problems; and increased traffic.

The officer's report tells the committee: "The home will provide individualised care for one child who has experienced adverse childhood events.

"Lancashire County Council Social Services does not support the application, stating that it does not identify the proposal as offering to provide for the local need for care spaces.

"However, the applicant has identified a need for the care home which he intends to fulfil.

"The change of use of the house would be likely to have minimal adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring houses or the residential area generally.

"The highway authority is content with the proposal as regards safety provided there is an additional car parking space."