Plans have been submitted to extend a residential property in Clayton-le-Moors and convert it into a small children's home.

The proposal would see the house in Whalley Road turned into 'a cluster accommodation facility' for four vulnerable children.

The planning application by Kenneth Tomkins of Fraud Advisory Services, The Old Bank, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, would also add a dormer extension to the second floor to provide two extra bedrooms.

It is the latest of many similar planning applications to Hyndburn Council to create a small children's home, which planning chair Cllr Judith Addison and other councillors have branded a 'mushrooming industry' across the borough and East Lancashire.

The authority's planning officers are currently working on new policy guidance on how to deal with such proposals.

Supporting statements with the application say:" The existing property comprises a two-storey accommodation with access from Whalley Road and a rear exit door to an open enclosed patio area.

"The development will consist of ground floor hallway with access to ground floor lounge/dining room and kitchen with the provision of an additional ground floor toilet facility.

"The existing first floor will provide two single bedrooms with communal bathroom and toilet facilities and a separate staff rest room/office.

"The second floor will provide two single bedrooms.

"The second floor extension to the cluster accommodation will be constructed with a dormer bedroom to the rear.

"The development provides supervised accommodation for vulnerable children.

"The development will provide access from Whalley Road.

"The existing parking for tow cars will be retained and a cycle rack for fur cycles will be provided within the existing parking area as shown.

"The home would accommodate four young people and be staffed 24 hours per day on a shift pattern by staff.

"Staff will not live at the premises.

"Every member of staff will be fully trained and qualified, DBS cleared etc to meet the needs of the young people.

"Staff will also be supported by qualified specialists if required.

"We will endeavour to recruit staff from the local community within Clayton-le-Moors and the wider Hyndburn area where necessary.

"We will be registered with Ofsted.

"We are passionate about our young people's futures.

"The business will have an ongoing relationship with the Care Quality Commission and social services.

"We want every child in our care to reach their full potential, they have the right to be healthy, happy, safe and secure, and to feel loved, valued and respected."