THE refusal of planning permission by councillor of controversial proposals to turn a suburban house into a care for up to four children has been appealed by the applicant.

In November Hyndburn Council planning committee rejected the scheme in Beech Crescent, Altham, despite a recommendation to approve it from officers.

Councillors voted by seven votes to six to refuse planning permission despite warnings that it could be overturned on appeal from planning officer Shanshan Cheng and committee chairman Eamonn Higgins.

They took the decision because of the impact on parking in the cul-de-sac.

The proposal is one of many similar applications to Hyndburn and other East Lancashire councils which have provoked fears of a 'mushrooming industry' of small care homes and it produced a host of objections from nearby residents and Altham Parish Council.

Now applicant Ziafat Ali of Blackburn-based Thrive Residential Properties has lodged and appeal against the decision with the government's planning inspectorate.

He has also asked for costs to be awarded against the council.

His proposed children’s home would provide accommodation for a maximum of four children between the ages of 8 and 18 years with 24 hour adult support, provided on a shift basis.

A supporting document for his appeal says: "The fact that the council have one sole reason for refusal indicates the authority are satisfied with the principle of development, and agree that the proposed use will not result in harm or disturbance to neighbouring amenity or on the character of the wider environment.

"In assessing the potential impact of additional car parking within the local area we would ask that the inspector pay careful attention to the extent and nature of proposed on site provisions and the sustainable nature of the application site and the extensive options for accessing public transport connections within walking distance of the property.

"In our view there is more than sufficient off-street and on-street car parking provision within the local area to meet any additional demands the scheme may create.

"In short, it is our view that the scheme is acceptable in relation to likely traffic impacts and car parking.

"We are also of the view that the council have failed to demonstrate how the development will result in demonstrable harm to the safe operation of the surrounding highway.

"In our view the reason for refusal provided by Hyndburn Council is unjustified and unreasonable.

"The application was only refused by one vote, with the member proposing refusal setting out her own concerns with actually turning down the scheme."

A Hyndburn Council spokeswoman said: "The applicant has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate but a start date has not yet been issued for its public hearing."

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