'Nimbyism' warning over Blackpool children's homes spread

A recent flurry of planning applications to convert former family homes in suburban areas of Blackpool into homes for up to two children in care has prompted a backlash from many residents.

They fear the privately run homes will become a focus for anti-social behaviour but town hall chiefs say they have more powers now to control premises.

Coun Maxine Callow told a meeting of the council’s children and young people’s scrutiny committee many residents “felt let down and no-one is hearing their voice.”

A home was recently approved on Norbreck Road by town hall planners despite being less than 400 metres from a supported living facility for up to four teenagers, which she said had created many problems in the area.

But planning committee chairman Coun David Owen said planners now had stronger than ever powers to clamp down on providers and people should not “get swept away with nimbyism”.

He said: “I’m surprised any of us as councillors should ridicule the work that has been done on the ways we have to address problems and come up with solutions.

“Applicants enter binding legal agreements so we can control how a property is managed and the children in it.”

Council leader Coun Lynn Williams said outcomes for children in care were far better if they lived in small homes similar to a family environment, rather than in larger traditional homes of mixed age children with competing needs.

She said: “It is up to us to promote and champion our children and their needs.

“It is about all of those things we want for our own children which is to be looked after, safe and secure.”