A former hub for young people in an East Lancashire township has been earmarked for a new future as a residential care home for adults with mental health needs and learning disabilities.

Bolton-based Perpetual Care wants to convert the Great Harwood Youth And Community Centre in the town’s Lowerfold Park.

The two-storey stone building was sold off by Lancashire County Council in May last year after a period of use as offices.

The proposed new care home would house eight residents with 24 hour support.

The youth centre closed in 2020 and replaced by an outreach service.

A supporting statement submitted with the planning application to Hyndburn Council for the change of use to an eight bed residential care facility with associated training and meeting rooms says: “The site is located within Lowerfold Park.

“The existing stone-built building has accommodation over two floors and has most recently been used by Lancashire County Council as office space.

“Perpetual Care is a highly reputable care company dedicated to offering 24-hour residential support for adults (between 18 and 65 years) with mental health and learning disabilities for over 25 years.

“They have four existing, specialised homes registered for mixed sexes, which are staffed by a team of dedicated professionals.

“Every adult under their care undergoes a comprehensive assessment enabling us to create individualised care plans and conduct thorough risk assessments.

“There will be a maximum of four full-time members of staff along with a duty manager during the day (8am-8pm) and a maximum of two staff during the night (8pm-8am).

“The proposal is to convert the ground floor into eight bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities.

“The communal lounges and dining areas will be provided more centrally within the building.

“There will be a laundry room, a utility room and a kitchen, along with a staff office and night staff room. At first floor level meeting, store and training rooms are proposed.

“The external changes will be limited to changes to the windows.

“Ten car parking spaces (including one disabled space) are proposed and the outdoor amenity space will provide an area for outdoor seating which overlooks the park.”

Netherton ward’s Cllr Noordad Aziz said: “I am going to look carefully at this application before I make a judgement on its suitability.

“The youth centre was a great loss to the town when the Conservative-run county council closed it and sold it to the highest bidder.”