PROPOSALS have been submitted for the second part of a purpose-built £5million complex for prove short-breaks for disabled residents of Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

The new plans will be for adults to give their carers a respite from the their duties.

It will be built on the site of the former North Cliffe Special School on Blackburn Old Road, Great Harwood, next-door to a new children’s short break service for which proposals have already been submitted.

The latest planning application by Lancashire County Council to Hyndburn Council asks for permission to demolish the former school buildings to make way for the adult care part of the new development.

This service will provide temporary accommodation and support helping people to be as independent as possible and take part in a range of activities during their stay.

The facility will comprise six en-suite rooms, a lounge, communal areas, a separate annex and a range of modern equipment to support people with physical and learning disabilities. It will be used for both planned and emergency stays.

The Hyndburn and Ribble Valley adult short -breaks services are currently run separately from two converted domestic houses in Gloucester Avenue, Accrington, and Croasdale Drive, Clitheroe. There are 74 people with disabilities and their families that use the service.

Unlike the current buildings, all the rooms will be on ground-floor level with administrative space, living areas, sensory room, kitchen, dining and external areas. The unit will be staffed full time, including overnight and provide for up to eight adults to stay.

The children and young persons service will accommodate up to six 11 to 18-year-olds for one night, a weekend or a short break during the school holidays.

Their new building would include a living room, dining area, and accommodation for two staff, alongside space for parents and carers, with an external play area.

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “This new complex with an investment of around £5m will be very welcome and much-needed. The buildings have been vacant for several years.”

Cllr Graham Gooch, county council adult services boss, said; “This will be a huge improvement. It would include a range of modern equipment, improved rooms and communal areas and be run by fully trained staff.”