Residents are worried about the "negative effect" of the creation of a care home for vulnerable young people in a quiet cul-de-sac.

A planning application has been submitted to Hyndburn Borough Council to convert the use of a home in Trout Beck, Clayton-le-Moors, into a care home for two young people and carers.

Residents have said they are concerned if the application is approved, it will have a "negative effect on the area and those living there" and have concerns that "young offenders" may be moved in.

In the plans, it states the children would be ‘vulnerable young people’ taken into care by social services, and there is no mention of young offenders being moved into the home.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “From our perspective, it’s a very quiet residential area.

"It is predominantly families or elderly people who have lived there since the houses were built.

“Whilst I understand the council has to find places to find young people, Trout Beck isn’t really right for that.

“There’s a lot of studies that show children who are subject to abuse and neglect are at higher risk of young offending and substance abuse.

“It could be bringing that into an area that is of very low crime.

“We are also concerned about traffic, it’s quite a narrow street and there’s no pavement other than at the end.

“There might be more cars as well because of carers coming and going.

“The application says there will be shift changes at 10pm as well. It is a quiet road; we don’t want headlights every night at that time.

"A lot of people are very worried about the application, one woman said she hasn't slept for days because she is so worried."

In the application made by Cherish Children’s Care, it says that the children would be ‘vulnerable young people’ who have been taken into care by the social services authority.

There is no mention in the application of young offenders being moved into the home.

In a document containing a list of questions, the application states: “There would be children with particular problems, as there could be in any family dwellinghouse.

“There will be a maximum of two children in the house and both will be selected based on referrals to be mutually supporting and therefore be more akin to family members rather than two separate individuals.

“Cherish Children’s Care provide residential care for children and young people considered to have Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) as a result of childhood trauma, neglect or abuse from their parents.

“They are vulnerable and need a safe, caring and stable home environment to be able to thrive.”

Residents however have raised their concerns about the application which they are fighting to have refused.

Locals have canvassed the area to raise awareness of the application, with those appealing saying they have received a great deal of support.