Huncoat small kids home bid set for rejection again

Altham-based Prosperity Children's Services Ltd wants to convert the home in Bluebell Way, Huncoat, into a residence providing care for one child with two staff on site at any one time.

The company has made two previous similar planning applications for the property, both of which were rejected.

Now, the latest bid to convert the four-bedroomed house has been recommended for refusal by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee when it meets on Wednesday.

The proposal generated 16 objections from nearby residents on grounds including extra traffic, which may increase the likelihood of accidents; potential on-street parking; the applicant having made multiple applications; the proposal resulting in three children’s homes on the estate, which is disproportionate; plus noise and disturbance.

Lancashire County Council (LCC) children’s services department has also objected on grounds including lack of a local need for another solo children’s home, and that there is already another children’s home operated by the same provider on the same street, and another Ofsted-registered children’s home within a third of a mile.

Its objection adds Prosperity Children’s Services already operates seven Ofsted-registered children’s homes in Lancashire, but has never cared for a Lancashire child.

A planning officer’s report tells the committee: “The development of a children’s care home will be supported if it can be demonstrated that the care home will support local communities.

“However, planning permission will not be granted for a children’s care home if LCC object on the grounds it will not contribute to meeting the needs of local communities.

“In recent years, Hyndburn has experienced significant growth of children’s homes operated by agency providers, which has resulted in many children being moved to the borough from their home community.

“The applicant has not convincingly demonstrated there is an identified need for the type of accommodation proposed in this location.

“Alongside the fact that there is no identified need for the solo home in Lancashire and the potential the proposed home would not be occupied by a child of Hyndburn or Lancashire, officers are of the opinion the harm associated with the loss of a four-bed market dwelling at the time when the council fails to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply would outweigh the benefit of provision of a solo children’s home.

“It is considered that there is no evidence suggesting that the proposed development would help meet the care needs of local communities.

“The proposed development therefore, fails to comply with the Children’s Homes SPG."