A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for a 50-bedroom care home in Oswaldtwistle looks set to be given the green light.

Concerns were raised by a local councillor and staff at the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre about parking at the proposed site, in Peel Court, Union Road.

But a report found the number of proposed spaces would be sufficient, documents showed.

The care home would house 50 elderly people, and would be staffed by 27 people.

And a study of a similar-sized development, in Burnley, found the 16 proposed car parking spots would be able to handle the amount of traffic.

Chief planning officer at Hyndburn Council, Simon Prideaux, wrote in a report that the application should be approved with several conditions.

He said: “The proposed development represents an appropriate use in this location and comprises a use that will help meet the needs of the borough’s ageing population.

“Although some concerns have been raised about the adequacy of parking, the level of car-parking provided is consistent with the council’s adopted car-parking standards.

“It is not considered that the development will have an adverse impact on performances staged by Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.

“Visitor numbers are very low, and the development will not attract visitors at the same time as most performances are being staged.

“The development will utilise a derelict site in the centre of Oswaldtwistle and will provide a health-based facility that will be used by elderly people in need of care.

“The development complies with the policies of the development plan and, for these reasons, should be supported.”

The application will be discussed at a council meeting later this month.