A scheme to transform a house into an “emotional and behavioural home” for children has now been called off. Earlier this year plans were put forward to turn the five-bedroom detached house on Whitehall Lane in Blackrod into a home for up to three children with a manager and up to three staff. But the proposal has now been withdrawn.

Cllr David Grant, of Horwich South and Blackrod, said: “With applications like these you obviously have to be very sensitive because its not about the children, it’s about the provider. “So when this came up I then raised it with children’s services and they then had various concerns about the provider.” The plans have now been withdrawn (Image: Rose Consulting, Planning and Regeneration) He added: “So while I wouldn’t have made a determination before it came to committee, I did have concerns about this particular application.

“So that’s excellent news that it’s now been withdrawn.” This comes with similar plans have been put forward at various locations across Bolton in recent months to create small scale children’s homes. The plans to convert the house on Whitehall Lane were put before Bolton Council on Monday, May 13.

A statement prepared by Rose Consulting, Planning and Regeneration for applicants Invigor Adolescent Care Ltd said that they hoped the children would be living there long term. It said: “The home will be registered as an emotional and behavioural home. “Children will undergo a stringent impact risk.