Two new children’s care homes set to open despite objections

Plans to convert two family homes into small children’s care homes in East Lancashire have been recommended for approval by Hyndburn Council, despite objections from local residents. The council’s planning committee will review both proposals on Wednesday, with planning officers suggesting approval, subject to specific conditions.

Proposed Care Home in Altham: 19 Pendle View

The first application involves converting a three-bedroom semi-detached house at 19 Pendle View, Burnley Road, Altham into a residential care home. The proposal, submitted by Ms. Kara Manley of 2gether 4children, seeks to accommodate two children with one staff member staying overnight.

Community Objections

The application has sparked opposition from seven nearby residents and Altham Parish Council. Concerns raised include:

• Noise and disturbance: Residents fear increased noise from the children and staff.
• Disruptive occupants: There are concerns about the behavior of potential residents.
• Traffic and parking issues: The home is located near the busy A678, raising safety concerns for the children and other road users.
• Neighbourhood character: Residents argue that the change of use would disrupt the area’s family-oriented atmosphere.

The Parish Council objected strongly, emphasizing the potential safety risks due to the busy main road and the lack of sufficient parking spaces.

Planning Officer’s Perspective

Despite the objections, the planning officer’s report supports the proposal. The report highlights:

• The care home would offer a family-like setting for two vulnerable children.
• Lancashire County Council Social Services recognizes the growing need for such accommodation.
• The operator’s careful management is expected to minimize any negative impact on the surrounding area.

The report concludes that the care home’s impact would likely be minimal, and the recommendation is to approve the application with four conditions related to safety and operational practices.

Proposed Care Home in Accrington: 316 Willows Lane

The second proposal involves turning a three-bedroom, two-storey semi-detached house at 316 Willows Lane, Accrington into a care home for one child aged 8 to 17. The application was submitted by Ashan Arif of Care Services To You LTD.

Community Objections

This application has drawn even more significant opposition, with 16 individual objections and a petition signed by 45 residents. Key concerns include:

• Potential anti-social behavior from residents.
• Noise and late-night disturbances disrupting the community’s peace.
• Parking issues and increased traffic, particularly due to limited parking availability.

Social Services and Planning Officer’s Insights

Lancashire County Council Social Services expressed reservations, noting that the proposed home does not align with the current local care space requirements. However, the applicant maintains that the home addresses a broader need for specialized care.

The planning officer’s report supports the proposal, stating:

• The home would provide individualized care for one child with a history of adverse childhood experiences.
• The anticipated impact on neighbors is minimal.
• The highway authority has no safety concerns, provided the applicant adds one more parking space to the property.

The committee has been advised to approve the application with conditions ensuring proper supervision and parking arrangements.

Community Reactions and Council’s Balancing Act

The proposed care homes have ignited debates about balancing community concerns with the need for safe, supportive environments for vulnerable children. While residents worry about noise, safety, and neighborhood character, planning officers and care operators stress the importance of providing stable care settings for children in need.

Council officials emphasize that care homes with small capacities, like these two proposals, often integrate well into residential areas. They argue that careful management and adherence to the proposed conditions can address the majority of concerns raised.

As the Hyndburn Council planning committee prepares to make its decision, the outcome will reflect the delicate balance between social responsibility and community interests. If approved, these homes will contribute to the region’s growing network of care services while the council monitors their impact to address concerns promptly.

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