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Search the Public Notice PortalA third bid to turn a family house in an East Lancashire estate into a small children’s home by the same applicant has been rejected after councillors were told he had made more such proposals than Burnley Football Club had won matches this season.
The claim was made by Huncoat Community Forum vice-chair Jackie Rawstron before Hyndburn planning committee refused permission for the conversion of 7 Bluebell Way in the village.
Edward Smethurst from Altham-based Prosperity Children's Services Ltd wanted to turn the home at 7 Bluebell Way, Huncoat, into a residence providing care for one child with two staff on site at any one time.
His company has made two previous similar planning applications for the property, both of which were rejected.
The proposal generated 16 objections from nearby residents.
Lancashire County Council (LCC) children’s services department also objected on grounds including a 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 that Prosperity Children’s Services already operates seven Ofsted-registered children’s homes in Lancashire, but has never cared for a Lancashire child.
Clarets fan Mrs Rawstron, speaking on behalf of residents, told the meeting on Wednesday: “Mr Smethurst has made seven applications for children’s homes on this estate.
“This is more than the number of games Burnley have won in the Premier League.”
So far this season, the Clarets have recorded three victories.
She accused Mr Smethurst of ‘disrespecting’ the committee by failing to attend the meeting and urged it to refuse this latest application for 7 Bluebell Way for the reasons in the report by chief planning and transportation officer Adam Birkett.
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It said: “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.
“The applicant has not convincingly demonstrated there is an identified need for the type of accommodation proposed in this location.
“Officers are of the opinion the harm associated with the loss of a four-bed market dwelling would outweigh the benefit of provision of a solo children’s home.”
Proposing rejection Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Munsif Dad said the firm had not even consulted LCC about the application adding: “This application does not satisfy a need for such a children’s home.
“I agree with LCC.”
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