PLANS to use a house for the provision of therapeutic care for children have been sent to council planners.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness for the change of use of a property at The Parchments, Newton-le-Willows has been drawn up.

A certificate of lawfulness is a means of obtaining a decision from a planning authority that a proposed use or works do not require planning permission.

A planning statement, drafted on behalf of the applicant, Ironstone Care, by agents Joseph Boniface Architects, has been included in the proposals.

This states "the use of the property for the therapeutic care of up to two children in need, with two on site carers, would not result in a material change of use of the premises".

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It is said: "The property is located within the main built-up development area and is surrounded on all sides by residential properties.

"In that regard, the proposed use is deemed to be commensurate with the character of the wider local area".

Plans add: "The site has been specifically chosen by the applicant given its proximity to local services, schools and amenities within the local area, and the ability for staff, service users and other visitors to access the site with ease, and on public transport.

"The site is therefore deemed to be sustainably and suitably located to meet the needs of the proposed development".

The statement concludes: "The applicants are therefore of the view that the proposed use of the site subject of this certificate application would be lawful, and we would therefore request that the local planning authority issue a certificate of lawfulness for the proposed use".

Several residents had submitted objections to the plans at the time of writing.

A decision on the application is expected by September 16.