RESIDENTS of a sheltered housing scheme in Burnley are to be moved to a controversial new development next year.

Bosses at Calico have decided that Royal Court, off Tennyson Street, Briercliffe, was too outdated and unsuitable for 21st Century tenants’ needs.

And it has been announced that those involved in the Royal Court scheme will be relocated to the housing landlord’s Primrose Mill development, off Harrison Street, which attracted significant local opposition.

An initial consultation was undertaken five years ago, before heating systems, kitchens and bedrooms were modified at Royal Court.

But there was always a pledge to revisit the suitability of the complex at a later date, prompting proposals to phase out the site in a year’s time.

Anthony Duerden, Calico’s chief executive, said: “The residents of Royal Court have been fully involved regarding their options, which include moving to new, high-quality accommodation in our Primrose Mill development nearby.

“We understand that there will always be concerns regarding any move for older people, which is why we will be providing the residents with as much support as they need and assisting them through the process of moving to their preferred new home.

“There has been a low demand for the type of accommodation available at Royal Court in recent years.”

The accommodation at Primrose Mill should be ready by the summer of 2015 and a consultation exercise on the future of the remaining site has been promised with remaining neighbours.