Children's home offices could be brought back into use as residential home

Offices operated by a care company could be brought back into operational use as a children’s home.

Dixon House, on Whalley Road, Wilpshire, has been used as the head office for Child Action North West, having previously been used as a home for residential care.

Child Action North West has now applied to Ribble Valley Borough Council to bring the two-storey building back into use as a care home for three children, ending its use as offices.

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A planning statement said: “The purpose of the home would be to provide outstanding care to the children, support the children to build their confidence, help them in developing life skills, and prepare them for life when they leave the home.

“Three children will live at the house with carers working on a rota basis, sleeping overnight.

“Thirteen employees will be employed on site who have the skills and experience needed to meet the individual needs of each young person and provide outstanding care.

"It is anticipated that a minimum of two employees will be present on-site at any one site.”.

The home will be registered with Ofsted and subject to their monitoring and assessment.

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Only minimal alterations are proposed to the existing building to facilitate the change of use.

Employees will be encouraged to car share, cycle, or use public transport to reach the home to limit the traffic coming and going.

Walking or cycling to school will also be encouraged for the children if they are within a short distance and public transport will be used as required.

To read the application in full, visit the council’s planning website.