POLICE were called as tensions boiled over at a council meeting discussing plans for a children's home in Hoddlesden last night.

Supporters for and campaigners against the home squared up to each other outside the council chamber at Blackburn Town Hall after councillors voted in favour of the scheme for Harwoods Lane.

Around 200 opponents had packed the town hall to listen to the council discuss the plans -- and many reacted angrily when applicant Amjad Shah's supporters screamed with delight when it was passed.

A female council worker separated groups from both sides and Mr Shah was taken to council leader Kate Hollern's office while the opponents left the building.

Mr Shah, 29, of Audley Range, Blackburn, then waited until a police van arrived. Two officers ensured that the two groups, including many tearful women who fear the children's home will knock thousands of pounds off their property prices, remained apart.

Mr Shah, who runs other homes in Blackburn, went with police to make a statement on what happened, alleging he had been assaulted.

Council leader Kate Hollern, who attended the meeting but was not sitting on the committee, confirmed: "Mr Shah used my office after he said he had been assaulted."

Inspector Dace Mangan said: "I can confirm that an incident has been reported as a result of the planning meeting at Blackburn Town Hall with regard to the application for a children's home in Hoddlesden and we are investigating."

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called to the town hall after an assault was reported. It is being investigated.

During the meeting, Tory councillors were accused of 'playing to the gallery' in their opposition to the home, which will be used to house up to four 11 to 15 year olds from 'disadvantaged backgrounds'.

Mr Shah is adamant this won't include young offenders, but residents said they were still opposed, claiming police regularly attend his other homes. Mr Shah said these homes weren't the same as the one planned.

East Rural Tory Coun Fred Slater said: "These children do not belong in our village society, there is nothing for them here to do. They'll want to be dancing or going to the cinema.

"This is a rural area. People pay high prices to live there, and high council taxes too, because it brings with it a rural way of life. Councillors should vote with their conscience and not spoil a rural setting."

But Labour councillor Dave Harling said: "We are hear to vote on planning issues, not on conscience. A family with six convicted criminals could move in and there is nothing we could do. We've been assured young offenders won't live here, and we have to take that."

Coun Jim Smith, chairman of the committee, said: "We can't talk about ifs and maybes, but the facts before us, and there is no reason to refuse."