A FIRE has damaged an isolated Rossendale farmhouse just two days before councillors were due to decide on a controversial plan to convert it into a home for traumatised youngsters.
Firefighters set up a water relay using three fire engines to take water to Far Brex Farm, Coal Pit Lane, Whitewell Bottom, Waterfoot.
They were called to the empty farmhouse just before 7am today and spent more than two hours at the scene.
Rossendale Council's engineering and planning committee is due to discuss a plan to convert the farmhouse into a home for six children, aged between eight and 19, with staff supervising them.
The committee was recommended to grant planning permission despite 19 letters of objection from local residents.
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