Young persons' home at 10 Hazel Grove, Chorley

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a young persons’ home for up to three young people, with staff and garage conversion.

“Proposal: Change of use of the dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a young persons home (Use Class C2) for a maximum of three young persons with up to four staff members on site, including a manager 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and conversion of garage to habitable accommodation.”

“This application seeks planning permission for a change of use of the dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a young person's home (Use Class C2) for a maximum of three young persons with up to four staff members on site, including a manager 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and the conversion of garage to habitable accommodation.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached five-bedroom house on a residential cul-de-sac, with railway land behind and homes on three sides.

“The application relates to a sizeable, detached, five-bedroom dwelling of modern design style located on Hazel Grove, which is a cul-de-sac on a residential housing estate that is located in the settlement area of Chorley.”

“The site is located on the periphery of the estate with railway land to the rear (south) and residential dwellings to the north, west and east. The residential estate is somewhat isolated by the enclosure formed by the River Chor to the east, railway line to the south, motorway link road to the north, and the A6 to the west.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

A 2025 lawful development certificate application for a children’s home was refused, while a 2002 extension application was approved.

“Ref: 25/01013/CLPUD Decision: REFUSED Decision Date: 16 December 2025 Description: Application for a certificate of lawful development for the use of the dwelling house (Use Class C3) as a children's home (Use Class C2) to accommodate a maximum of 3 children (aged 18 or under) with 24 hour care with up to three staff members and a manager on site working on a shift basis.”

“Ref: 02/00028/FUL Decision: APPROVED Decision Date: 26 February 2002 Description: Demolition of existing garage and erection of two storey side extension with attached garage to side…”

Officer report

What people said

Twenty-seven objections and a residents’ petition raised concerns about the location, traffic, parking, noise, disturbance, consultation and residential character.

“This is not a suitable location • The proposal would increase the traffic into the estate • There is already too much parking on the roads • Children will abscond from the property at any opportunity • Young families will be confined to being indie the house • The site is already a rat run • The property is close to busy roads and individual traffic • This property is not suitable for the care proposed • There is no dedicated parking for the property • Vulnerable residents…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The public speakers were an objector and a ward councillor.

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously refused permission because increased activity would cause unacceptable noise, disturbance and demand for on-street parking affecting neighbouring amenity.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by councillor Katie Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Russ Green, and subsequently resolved (unanimously) that planning permission be refused for the following reason…”

“The proposed change of use will have a detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties because the increased activity at the property will cause unacceptable noise and disturbance arising from the increased activity above that of a dwelling.”

Minutes