Hyndburn home conversion to help 'break homelessness cycle'

Hyndburn Council has granted a certificate of lawful use for the property in Albert Street, allowing it to be used as a supportive home environment for up to four adults who require low-level support to live independently.

The home will be managed by Keys to Independence CIC, a community interest company which supports vulnerable adults to develop and maintain independent living skills within a stable residential setting.

Plans for the two-bedroom mid-terrace were first reported by the Lancashire Telegraph in August when the organisation sought confirmation that the use would fall within planning rules for a residential dwelling where care is provided.

The plans would involve the loss of some communal space to make way for four bedrooms (Image: Hyndburn Council)

Council officers have now concluded that the proposal falls within Use Class C3(b), covering homes where up to six residents live together as a single household and receive care.

According to documents submitted with the application, residents will be adults who may have experienced homelessness, substance misuse, mental health difficulties or other challenges that make it difficult to maintain accommodation without support.

Support provided by Keys to Independence CIC will include help with budgeting, managing benefits, developing independent living skills, maintaining routines, accessing employment and education, attending appointments and engaging with the community.

The council report says residents will live together as a single household, sharing communal facilities including the kitchen, dining area, living space and bathrooms.

Vacancies will be managed to ensure any new resident is compatible with the existing household.

There will be no overnight staff, shift changes, medical treatment facilities or intensive care provision, with support instead delivered through daytime visits focused on wellbeing and tenancy sustainment.

The property had previously been the subject of a separate application to accommodate up to three victims of domestic violence, but that proposal was refused in May.

Recommending approval, planning officers concluded that the building would retain the character of a single dwellinghouse and would not result in a material change of use.

Their report states: "The intention is to provide a normal domestic environment in which adults who have experienced difficulties such as homelessness, substance misuse or mental health difficulties can live within the community while receiving the support necessary to help them maintain and develop their independence."