At the latest gathering of the Hyndburn Council planning committee, held to deliberate on various development proposals, one specific proposition stood out for consideration. This proposal entailed the conversion of a property located in Abbott Clough Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, into a supported living home designed to accommodate two young individuals. However, prior to the commencement of the meeting, Auxilium Living Ltd, the party behind the proposal, opted to withdraw their submission.
This event represents the most recent development in a series of similar initiatives brought before the committee. It echoes the sentiments expressed by former planning chair Cllr Judith Addison, who characterized the trend as indicative of a growing industry within the borough since 2022. The decision to withdraw the proposal reflects a dynamic landscape of urban development and social welfare considerations within the region.
At the Hyndburn Council planning committee meeting, held to assess various development proposals, another significant application came under review. This particular proposal involved seeking a certificate of lawful use for a property situated in Allsprings Drive, Great Harwood, with the intention of establishing a children’s home tailored to accommodate two children. Despite the genuine intentions demonstrated by The Aspire Care Network in their endeavor to provide care and support to children in need, the committee ultimately decided to reject the proposal.
The officer’s report, which was meticulously examined by the councillors, outlined concerns regarding the proposal’s ability to sufficiently demonstrate its adherence to legal regulations and guidelines. The recommendation for refusal highlighted the importance placed on ensuring that proposed developments not only meet the needs of the community but also comply with the necessary legal frameworks. This decision underscores the committee’s dedication to upholding stringent standards and regulations to safeguard the well-being and interests of the local population.
Among the properties discussed during the meeting, the one in Grasmere Close, Rishton, prompted deliberation among councillors who chose to defer final consideration, despite the recommendation for approval by the council’s chief planning and transportation officer, Simon Prideaux. Birchwood Children Services had submitted a comprehensive planning application to transform a detached house into a children’s home for a maximum of one child aged 18 or younger, accommodating up to three carers on a rotational basis.
During the session, concerns were raised regarding objections from a neighbor claiming the existence of a similar home in the street. While Mr. Prideaux acknowledged the absence of a planning record for such a home in Grasmere Close, he committed to conducting further investigations to ascertain the presence of any such residences in Rishton.
Following the meeting’s end, Lisa Goulding, in her role as the operations director at Birchwood, reiterated the firm’s steadfast commitment to housing only one local child at the property. Emphasizing the importance of individualized care and attention, she assured that Birchwood would engage in a collaborative effort with Lancashire County Council during the meticulous process of selecting the child. This partnership aims to safeguard the child’s welfare and ensure that they receive the necessary support and care tailored to their specific needs. The reassurance provided by Lisa Goulding underscores Birchwood’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being and best interests of the child set to reside at the property.
The decision to defer the application garnered support from Cllr Jodi Clements representing Netherton ward, who stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive survey on the existing care homes in Rishton before making a final decision. This thorough approach was deemed necessary to better understand the landscape of care facilities and their impact on the community.
During the deliberations, Cllr Scott Brerton, representing Overton ward, echoed similar sentiments shared by his colleagues. He underscored the distinctiveness of the application in question, which centered around the establishment of a care facility for just one child. In drawing attention to this uniqueness, Cllr Brerton emphasized how this case deviated significantly from previous submissions that had faced rejection by the committee.
By highlighting the departure from past trends, Cllr Brerton emphasized the critical importance of individually evaluating each proposal based on its own merits and considering its specific impact on the local community. This stance reflects a keen awareness of the nuanced nature of community development initiatives and the necessity of tailoring assessments to suit the particularities of each case.