Former church to become 'stepping stone' for care leavers
The house was originally the Bentham Road Methodist Church
- Published
The conversion of a former church into a "stepping stone" house for children leaving local authority care has been approved.
Nelson-based Identity Care Housing can now convert the eight-bedroomed property known as The Vicarage on Bentham Road in Mill Hill, Blackburn, into a home offering semi-supported living for up to four care leavers aged 16 to 25.
The building was originally the Bentham Road Methodist Church.
Planning documents said care leavers faced "significant challenges transitioning to adulthood" and the new facility's residents would "gain valuable life skills and build confidence before moving on into their own place".
The care provider has been granted a certificate of lawful use for the conversion of the property by Blackburn with Darwen Council.
A report by planning officer Nick Blackledge recommended approval and said the "level of activity and disturbance generated by the proposal... would not result in a 'material' change of use".
"Moreover, the premises would retain the overall appearance and character of a conventional residential dwelling, with no alterations required to facilitate the use," he added.
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