Plans to turn a bungalow in a residential street into a small care home for looked-after children have been approved.

The application will see the detached property in Broadhurst Way, Reedley, become a care home for two children.

One neighbour had raised concerns over "troubled youngsters" moving in and how it would affect the area, and how it could impact house prices on the street.

A Pendle Council planning officer's report said: " The level of occupancy and activity is comparable to a family dwelling.

"Visits from social workers, psychologists, and maintenance personnel would be infrequent and managed appropriately. 

"The proposal makes efficient use of an existing residential property to provide much needed care services within an established community."

No external changes to the property will be needed for the conversion, with the property currently being a four-bedroom bungalow.

It has a kitchen, living and dining room, a family bathroom, two double bedrooms – one of which is housed in the garage and has an en-suite – and two small box bedrooms.

 

Under the proposals, the smallest bedroom will become an office, with the two looked-after children having the bedrooms in the main bungalow.

The garage is to be replaced with an extension to be used as a staff bedroom for when they stay overnight at the property.

There is off-street parking for two vehicles currently, with drawings in the application showing the front garden would be concreted over to create an additional car parking space.

To the rear, there is a paved garden space and a separate lawned area.

A certificate of lawful use issued in August said: “Children living there are to be cared for under semi-independent living, whom will be cared for by the adults/family living at the property as a single-family unit.

“The care provided will lead to the children being introduced back into the local and wider community.”