Blackburn with Darwen Council has refused two proposals to turn family houses into small children’s care homes.The authority has rejected the conversion of 6 Ottershaw Gardens, Blackburn, into residential care accommodation for two young persons. proposed by Jamila Mulla.It has also refused permission for a similar scheme for 2 Portland Street, Darwen, from Amber Green Care Ltd.Both proposals were for a certificates of lawfulness and involved the care of young people aged between five and 18-years-old.The two refusals follows concern about the number of applications such certificates which led to the council adopting a special Children’s Residential and Supported Accommodation – Planning Advisory Note for determining them and requiring proposers to submit a full planning application.Mr Mulla’s proposal in Ottershaw Gardens in Roe Lee was for a two-storey three-bedroomed semi-detached dwelling in a cul-de-sac.A planning officer’s report recommending refusal said: “It is submitted that the applicant intends to utilise the site as a residential home for two looked after children, to provide a ‘family home’ rather than an institutional setting.”The Amber Green Care Ltd application relates to a three bedroom end terraced two storey house located in Portland Street an area is characterised by high-density terraced housing.It too says that the applicant intends to utilise the site as a residential home for two looked after children, to provide a ‘family home’ rather than an institutional setting.Similar supporting statement submitted with both applications by agent The Appeals Guy say: “No more than four staff would provide round the clock care and support for the looked after children.“The property has three bedrooms. One would be used by a staff member and two would be used by the looked after children.“The carers will be responsible for all care and welfare and will support the young people in going about their daily routines.“They essentially fulfil a parental role and the site will, in practical terms, operate like a family home.”Planning officers’ reports on both applications conclude: “It is not possible for a local planning authority to impose conditions on the grant of a Certificate of Lawfulness.“Consequently, children’s homes created through certificates are unregulated in planning terms“It has been established that residential children’s homes are attractive financial ventures and this has resulted in increased pressure for such provision.“It is further established that the children placed in such homes are frequently those with the most significant and complex needs who have exhausted other options.“The proposed use is considered to represent a material change of use requiring planning permission.”

In a thrilling, end-to-end clash, Macclesfield came out on top with a 53-41 victory over Rossendale in a match packed with attacking flair, defensive lapses, and standout individual performances.The visitors struck first after dominating possession for the opening 15 minutes. A clever chip from the fly-half found the centre, who gathered well to touch down in the corner. The conversion was missed, giving Macclesfield a 5-0 lead.Rossendale responded on 20 minutes through a penalty from Callum Hill after an infringement at the breakdown, closing the gap to 3-5. However, Macclesfield hit back almost immediately, capitalising on missed tackles in midfield before working the ball to the left wing for their second try, which was converted to extend the lead to 3-12.Rossendale’s first try came on 27 minutes courtesy of hooker Jack Wilkinson, finishing a well-executed catch-and-drive from a lineout. Kieran Tyrer’s conversion narrowly missed, leaving the score at 8-12. Macclesfield then added a third converted try to make it 8-19 before Hill was forced off with a head injury, replaced by Johnny Leota.A penalty pushed Macclesfield’s lead to 8-22, but Rossendale clawed back through Seb Krippner’s try, converted from the touchline. Moments later, new forwards coach James Flynn crashed over after another powerful maul. The conversion struck the post and went in, bringing the sides level at 22-22 at half-time.Rossendale took the lead early in the second half with a brilliant bonus-point try, finished by the winger Krippner after slick hands and support play. Macclesfield then levelled at 29-29 before Mac Duaibe bundled over for Rossendale’s fifth try, making it 36-29.But errors cost the home side. Macclesfield added two quick tries, then a penalty, surging ahead 36-46. Wilkinson’s second try gave Rossendale hope, but another converted score under the posts sealed the win for the visitors.Despite the loss, Rossendale showed promise – but defensive lapses proved costly.

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