Children's home at Bankfield House, Scarisbrick, Ormskirk

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the existing dwellinghouse from Use Class C3 (Dwellinghouse) to Use Class C2 (Residential Institution) to facilitate the occupation of the property as a children's home.”

“The proposed children's home would provide accommodation for up to three children together with associated care provision and staff supervision. The submitted plans indicate that the property would contain three children's bedrooms and one staff bedroom. No external alterations to the building are proposed as part of the application.”

“The application site comprises Bankfield House, 3 Black Moss Lane, Scarisbrick. The site consists of an existing detached dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) set within a defined residential curtilage extending to approximately 1,013m².”

“The site is located within the designated Green Belt. The dwelling is set within a spacious plot and benefits from a degree of separation from neighbouring properties.”

“2025/1104/LDP - Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) - C2 Children's Home. Not Permitted.”

“2025/0882/LPD – Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) – Use of property as a children’s home for up to three children. Not Permitted.”

“Lancashire County Council Children's Services object to the proposal on the basis that there is no identified need for additional children's home provision within Lancashire. The consultee advises that there is already a significant oversupply of children's homes across the county, resulting in pressures on local services and difficulties in the recruitment and retention of suitably qualified staff.”

“Accordingly, the proposal is considered contrary to Policies SP1 (A Sustainable Development Framework for West Lancashire) and GN3 (Criteria for Sustainable Development) of the Local Plan and is recommended for refusal on this basis.”

“In the absence of evidence demonstrating a local need for additional children's home provision in this location, and having regard to the concerns raised by Lancashire County Council Children's Services regarding oversupply and pressure on local services, the proposal is not considered to represent a sustainable form of development. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies SP1 and GN3 of the Local Plan.”

“Lancashire County Council Children's Services (20.04.2026) – Objection on the basis that there is no identified local need for additional children's home provision. It is stated that there are already significantly more children's homes within Lancashire than are required, which is placing pressure on local services and creating challenges in the recruitment and retention of suitably qualified staff.”

“Local Highway Authority (08.05.2026) – No objection, considers that the proposed use would not have a material impact on highway safety or network capacity. The development is anticipated to generate only a modest level of vehicle movements, broadly comparable to those associated with a dwellinghouse, and the site benefits from adequate off-street parking within its curtilage. The proposal is therefore considered acceptable in highway terms.”

“Five representations have been received in respect of the application, comprising four representations in support and one objection. It is noted that one supporter submitted two separate representations. Two of the supporting representations were submitted by individuals with a direct association to the property, namely the current owner and occupier of the application site and a former resident.”

“The supporting representations state that the proposal would operate on a small scale comparable to a single dwelling and would not give rise to significant amenity impacts, noting the size of the site and its separation from neighbouring properties.”

“The Assistant Director of Planning and Regulatory Services submitted a report on…”

“RESOVED: That the planning application be refused for the reasons outlined within section 12 of the report.”