A former social club could be transformed into a mental health facility creating up to 45 full-time jobs.
Pathways Northwest, which offers life skills and rehabilitation to people with mental health needs, has submitted plans to Hyndburn council to demolish the former social club on James Street in Oswaldtwistle.
Three 10-bedroom residential care home units would then be built on the site along with an office block and 23 car parking spaces.
Documents sent to the council state that the owners of the site have previously acquired planning permission for a three-storey 24-bed mental health hospital which was supported by the local community, but was later deemed to be ‘not suitable’ by the owners.
A second scheme was developed, however concerns were later raised over the design.
Pathways Northwest bosses said they currently have four sites providing rehabilitation care for recovering mental health patients located in Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, Great Harwood and Rishton and this type of facility will be developed for the James Street site.
Each care unit would offer 24-hour support.
The documents state: “The facility will provide the final stages of care for patients ready to move back into their own/family home reintroducing the domestic and social skills they need to integrate back into society with confidence.
“Demolishing the existing redundant building and redeveloping the site can only have a positive effect on crime prevention for the site and the surrounding area.”
A statement from Pathways Northwest sent to the council with the proposals said they help people ‘gain or relearn skills’ to assist them with ‘higher levels of independence’ and also work closely with professionals and extended families.
Ward councillor Peter Britcliffe welcomed the proposal, adding: “The former James Street club has been a source of problems since it has become derelict and people have dumped rubbish on the car park.
"It’s really good news that there will be 45 full-time jobs on the site and of course we will need to look very carefully at the proposals as to what’s going to happen there.
“Hopefully this will provide the catalyst for the regeneration of the James Street area.”
