Locals' fears over refuge in quiet Preston cul-de-sac could be swept aside by council

Council officers have recommended that the scheme to convert a six-bedroom property in a quiet cul-de-sac in Ingol to cater for parents with babies should be given the go-ahead despite huge opposition locally.

The development will be debated by the committee after it was “called in” by Lib-Dem leader Coun John Potter, inset, because he felt a quiet cul-de-sac near to the former Ingol Golf Club was an unusual location for a “residential family centre.”

He has voiced concerns that the property “through increased occupancy and activity, may result in undue impact to residential amenity” for neighbours due to noise, disturbance and highway safety.

Councillors will be told that the house will cater for parents or expectant parents to provide “a safe, caring and secure environment” where the authorities feel there is a need for additional support.

The application has been lodged by Mr Jonson Miller, a director of the Blackpool-based Northridge Care Group.

A report to the committee says the unit is not intended as a long-term residential facility, with an average stay of 12-20 weeks. Up to five staff will be on duty at any one time.

A total of 67 objections have been submitted to the council citing issues like noise, parking, traffic and pedestrian safety, privacy, fears of increased crime and anti-social behaviour and claims it would be an “inappropriate use of a residential property.”