An application to turn a couple of bungalows into a children’s residential care home in Whitworth have been approved by the council.

The application relates to two detached bungalows which form part of a group of buildings located in Market Street, Whitworth.

It is understood the buildings were most recently used for as houses of multiple occupany, and each building has outdoor space and parking provision.

Zen Care and Education Ltd, which is based in Old Trafford, lodged the plans with Rossendale Council at the beginning of May, and at the time no further details were available apart from the application form.

A planning statement was submitted two weeks later which detailed how Zen Care and Education Ltd wanted to change Aspen Ridge and Studd Brow Bungalow in Whitworth, into a home for children.

The planning statement read: “The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the buildings to allow their use as children’s homes.

“The homes will accommodate one child each and provide living and sleep-in carer accommodation.

“No external changes are proposed.

“The homes will be staffed on a rota system rather than carers living at the home permanently.

“The home will provide high-quality residential care for children and young people who cannot live within their own families and require a period of support and intervention to enable them to feel safe and achieve stability in their lives.

“The provider will work in partnership with the local authority to provide bespoke support to each child with the view of rehabilitating them back into a family setting, be it with their own families or foster families.

“There is an identified need for this type of accommodation within the area.

“The homes will strive to provide a substitute family environment or a ‘home away from home’ where a child or young person who cannot live within a family can be cared for and given support to transition safely and healthily back into their own families, an alternative family setting, supported accommodation or independent living.”

No objections were raised and Rossendale Council approved the plans last week.