PLANS have been drawn up seeking permission to use a residential house as a children's home.

Proposals have been submitted for the change of use of a property on Higher Lane, Rainford.

A planning statement, drawn up by agents Euan Kellie Property Solutions on behalf of applicants Bright Futures Care, says: "BFC is an established ‘Specialist Care and Education Provider; committed to building upon its proud reputation of being a ‘quality provider’ for the past 20 years and specialising in caring for children and young adults with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or other complex disabilities".

It adds: "BFC believes that each of their service users should have the opportunity to live within a mainstream community setting and make a positive contribution to the community around them.

"As a result, BFC seeks to provide small ‘home from home’ accommodation for the long-term service user and, consequently, many of the chosen properties externally and internally look and operate as a family home".

The application says "each of BFC developments are designed to meet an identified local need and services are developed with the intention of providing services for people who live locally or who have family members living in as proximity as is reasonably practicable".

Plans state: "It is important to confirm that the nature of the specialist home provided by BFC will reflect a typical family home".

They add "specifically, up to five children will permanently live at the property (as their main residence)".

The application says the children "will be supported by carers providing 24-hour care" and "whilst the staffing ratios are based on the specific needs of the individual", it says "typically residential accommodation providing for five children will have between 5 and 10 carers during the waking day", with "two carers remaining on-site overnight". 

Plans conclude; "Further, it is concluded that there will be no impacts arising from the development in relation to visual amenity of the area, residential amenity, or in respect of highways matters".

The application is on standard consultation to the public until Thursday, September 15.

A determination deadline has been set for October 18.