A children's care home backed by a Premier League footballer is up for approval by councillors in spite of opposition from 28 residents in Westhoughton.
The applicant, a care company called Home Comforts Services Ltd, applied for planning permission for a property on Wigan Road on August 10 this year.
According to Companies House, the director of the care company is Jamal Lewis, a Premier League footballer for Norwich City then Newcastle United.
It is understood the Northern Ireland international, who is on loan in the Championship with Watford, is not involved in the day-to-day operation of Home Comforts Services Ltd but he has a history of involvement in charities.
The children's care home, which is for four children between the ages of eight and 18 in need of 24-hour care, is up for approval by councillors in spite of opposition from 28 residents who are concerned about its impact on a range of issues from property prices to a rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour.
A comment from Westhoughton Town Council said: "The council is concerned at the number of applications for these homes and the number of companies outside Bolton who are applying to set up these homes within Bolton."
It added: "The council is aware of the concerns of local residents in this matter."
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A report for consideration by the planning committee suggests none of this range of issues is a reason for refusal.
The planning committee is recommended to approve the proposal, which is supported by Bolton Council's children's services, when it meets at the town hall next week.
The report reads: "The proposed care home for four children is considered to be acceptable in principle in this location and no harm has been identified in respect of crime, the amenity of the surrounding occupiers, or the conditions of the future occupiers.
"The highways proposals and parking proposals are also considered to be acceptable.
"Members are recommended to approve this application subject to conditions."
The planning committee meets at the town hall on November 14.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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