The conversion of a semi-detached family home in Great Harwood into a small care home should be allowed to go ahead councillors have been told.

Iklam Ahmed, from Blackburn's Aspire Care Network, has applied for full planning permission to turn the house in Allsprings Drive into a children's home.

It would cater for a maximum of two children with three carers, two of whom would sleep overnight, working on a rota basis.

An officer's report recommends Hyndburn Council's planning committee grant permission for the conversion, with four conditions, when it meets on Wednesday,

A previous application for a certificate of lawful use for the change was refused by the committee in July.

The new proposal will be considered by the meeting at the request of Overton ward's Cllr Scott Brerton because of his concerns about residential amenities, highways, parking and traffic.

Five nearby residents have also objected on grounds including fears over inadequate parking, concerns about the quality of the applicant’s company in relation to childcare, concerns about potential outdoor noise, music playing and such, and concerns about anti-social behaviour.

However, a planning officer has dismissed these concerns.

The planning officer's report tells councillors: "The application relates to a semi-detached dwelling house, one of a pair set at the junction of Allsprings Drive with Harwood Lane (B6535).

"The property is of two storeys having two living rooms, either side of a central hallway, and kitchen on the ground floor, and three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

"The application proposes the change of use of the dwelling house to a children’s care home.

"Lancashire County Council highways have not objected because overflow parking is provided in a gated area at Park House, and the Environmental Health officer has dismissed noise nuisance because Park House is in the same ownership.

"The proposed change of use of the dwelling house to a children’s care home would be likely to have minimal adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring dwelling houses or the residential area generally.

"The highway authority is content with the proposal as regards matters of highway safety. Condition are recommended in order to secure retention of two car parking spaces."