A three-bedroom house in Accrington has been earmarked for a residential home for one child. A planning application has been submitted to Hyndburn Council to convert 316 Willows Lane.
The proposal from Ashan Arif of Accrington-based Care Services To You Ltd is to turn it from a family house into a residential institution to operate as a children’s home for one child aged eight to 17, A supporting statement submitted with the application says the home will provide “individualised care” for one child who has experienced “adverse childhood events”.
It says it will focus on “tailored support to foster educational engagement, build independence, and develop emotional regulation skills”. A minimum of two staff members will be on-site at all times for consistent supervision and support.
The statement adds: “During shift handovers, up to three staff members may be present, including care staff and the manager. One staff member will always be available 24/7, while the manager will attend for several hours daily to provide oversight, support the care team, and handle administrative responsibilities.
“The property has a driveway with space for one large or two smaller vehicles and an existing garage providing additional secure parking for one vehicle. On-street parking is available on both sides of Willows Lane, ensuring any additional vehicular needs are easily met without congestion.”
It said the ground floor of the house has “spacious” living and dining areas said to be “suitable for creating a warm and supportive environment for the child”, along with a kitchen for “meal preparation and communal activities”. The first floor has two bedrooms which will serve as sleeping quarters for staff during overnight shifts.
It continues: “The remaining bedroom will be allocated to the child, ensuring privacy and comfort. There is a shared bathroom facility. No internal or external material or structural changes are proposed.
“Established in 2022, Care Services To You is a residential care and support provider providing care and support to young people aged eight to 17 years with complex needs – this might be early childhood trauma, ADHD, autism or any other specific need. The primary aim at the outset is to create a calm, peaceful and safe living environment where young people are supported to access education, training or employment and with the support from staff can transition positively into adulthood.
“The residential character of the property will remain unchanged, with no increase in noise or traffic. Security features such as CCTV and an alarm system will ensure safety without intruding on neighbouring properties.”
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