Neighbours say Lancashire street is 'not right location' for children's home
A controversial proposal to turn a semi-detached family house in Great Harwood into a small care home is set for final approval on Wednesday. Ikhlaq Ahmed of the Blackburn-based Aspire Care Network, Blackburn applied to convert the property in Allsprings Drive, Great Harwood, in August 2024.
Since then the scheme has been debated by Hyndburn Council planning committee twice in July and October. On the last occasion the item was deferred for a site visit by councillors.
Following that trip the application is now back before the committee on Wednesday afternoon with an officer’s recommendation for approval. It has been brought before the meeting at the request of Overton ward’s Cllr Scott Brerton because of concerns about residential amenity, highways, parking and traffic.
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An officer’s report to councillors reveals there have been objections from five neighbouring residents concerning inadequate parking. out-door noise, music playing and anti-social behaviour. They claimed it is not the right location for a children’s home.
There was also one letter supporting the application saying it was an excellent idea, helping young children in the area and with hope they can return to a family environment. The report, which recommends approval with four conditions, says: “The property is of two storeys having two living rooms, either side of a central hallway, and kitchen on the ground floor, and three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.
“There is a single car garage at the side, with storerooms attached at the rear. There is an enclosed rear courtyard and a forecourt garden. There is a driveway parking space in front of the garage. The application proposes the change of use of the dwelling house to a children’s care home. The applicant states that a maximum of two children would be accommodated. Care would be provided by staff working on a shift/rota basis.
“Briefly, a social services department would normally place children in need of such care in a local authority or privately operated care home. Such residential provision is overseen under the Ofsted/Care Commission regime.
“It is reasonable to regard the loss of the dwellinghouse to the housing stock of the borough as being balanced by the provision of a children’s care home for which there is a need. The property has a garage and one forecourt parking space which would be reasonably sufficient to provide for the routine staffing of the care home.
“The proposed change of use of the dwelling house to a children’s care home would be likely to have minimal adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring dwelling houses or the residential area generally. The Highway Authority is content with the proposal as regards matters of highway safety.”