PLANS to turn a remote farmhouse into a children's home have been halted after a mystery fire highlighted problems with access for emergency vehicles.
Three fire engines were called to the blaze at Far Brex Farm, Coal Pit Lane, Waterfoot, on Saturday morning.
The isolated farm had been earmarked for a home for six traumatised children, but Rossendale councillors rejected the plans by Rochdale social worker Nick McFarlane after the vehicles struggled to reach the site.
Councillors agreed that poor access up the narrow lane might put children in danger.
Coun Judith Driver said: "Taking children there would be like putting them in a wilderness."
Neighbours had sent 23 protest letters and Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson had also voiced her concern.
Coun David Hancock told Rossendale Council's engineering and planning committee: "The narrowness and gradient of the lane is contrary to road safety. It would not be responsible to put these children there."
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