Iklam Ahmed, a representative from Blackburn’s Aspire Care Network, has submitted a proposal for full planning permission to convert a residential house located on Allsprings Drive into a children’s home. This proposed facility aims to provide care for a maximum of two children, supported by a team of three carers. The staffing arrangement would include two carers who would stay overnight, rotating shifts to ensure that the children receive constant supervision and care throughout the night.
The planning application has been reviewed by a planning officer, who has recommended that Hyndburn Council’s planning committee grant permission for this conversion, subject to four specific conditions. The committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the proposal further. This application comes in the wake of a previous request for a certificate of lawful use, which sought to establish the change of use for the property. That earlier application was denied by the planning committee in July, prompting Ahmed to revisit and refine his approach.
The new proposal has drawn attention from local officials, particularly from Overton ward’s Councillor Scott Brerton, who has requested that the planning committee consider this matter due to concerns about the potential impact on residential amenities, traffic, parking issues, and the overall safety of the area. Such concerns are not uncommon in situations where a residential property is being converted for use as a care facility, as they often bring a change in the dynamics of the neighborhood.
In response to the planning application, five residents from the surrounding area have voiced their objections. Their concerns encompass a range of issues, including fears regarding inadequate parking, the reputation and quality of care provided by the applicant’s company, the potential for increased outdoor noise, and worries about anti-social behavior that could arise from the establishment of a children’s home in the area. These objections reflect a common apprehension among residents when faced with changes in their neighborhood’s landscape, particularly regarding facilities that may alter the character and atmosphere of a community.
Despite these local objections, the planning officer assigned to review the application has dismissed many of the concerns raised by residents. According to the officer’s report, the application pertains to a semi-detached dwelling house, which is part of a pair located at the intersection of Allsprings Drive and Harwood Lane (B6535). The house in question is a two-storey structure featuring two living rooms flanking a central hallway, a kitchen on the ground floor, and three bedrooms along with a bathroom on the upper floor.
The proposed change of use from a residential dwelling to a children’s care home is characterized as likely to have minimal adverse impact on the amenity of neighboring residences and the surrounding residential area. The report notes that Lancashire County Council’s highways department has not raised any objections to the proposal, citing that adequate overflow parking is available in a gated area at Park House. This is a crucial point, as parking availability often becomes a significant concern when assessing the impact of new facilities on existing neighborhoods.
Moreover, the report highlights that the Environmental Health officer has determined that noise nuisance would not be an issue, as Park House, which is mentioned in relation to the overflow parking, is under the same ownership as the proposed children’s home. This interconnected ownership might help mitigate some residents’ concerns about potential disturbances, as it suggests that the management would have a vested interest in maintaining a peaceful environment.
The planning officer’s report further reassures councillors that the proposed change of use of the dwelling house to a children’s care home would be unlikely to disrupt the overall tranquility of the residential area. Additionally, the highway authority has expressed satisfaction with the proposal in terms of highway safety, indicating that they believe it will not create undue risks for pedestrians or vehicles in the vicinity. To address parking concerns, the planning officer recommends conditions to ensure that at least two designated car parking spaces are retained for use by the staff of the care home.
The ongoing deliberation surrounding this application illustrates the complexities involved in local planning decisions, especially when it pertains to the establishment of care facilities in residential neighborhoods. Such developments often invite a range of opinions from the community, with some residents welcoming the service as a vital resource for vulnerable children, while others fear the implications it may have on their living conditions and local amenities.
In conclusion, the proposal by Iklam Ahmed to convert a house on Allsprings Drive into a children’s home reflects a broader conversation about community needs, residential harmony, and the responsibilities of local governance. As the planning committee prepares to consider the application, they must balance the potential benefits of providing a safe and supportive environment for children in need with the concerns of local residents regarding the preservation of their community’s character and tranquility. The outcome of this meeting will likely have lasting implications for the neighborhood and for the children who may find care within its walls. The decision-making process embodies the ongoing negotiation between development and community interests, a dynamic that continues to shape the landscape of urban living.