THE Calico Group has received planning permission for a new building project in Burnley which will provide support and training to homeless and vulnerable people.

Permission for the development of The Mitre scheme was approved by the council’s planning department during a public meeting on Thursday.

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The new facility, which would be built in Mitre Street, will be specifically designed to ensure services improve people’s health and wellbeing.

It will also develop individuals’ skills and employability, and support them to move on to permanent accommodation.

In total, there will be 30 self-contained rooms, with space for community projects and training.

The scheme will provide more modern and improved accommodation than the Elizabeth Street Project, Calico’s existing homeless facility since 2004, which has helped thousands of people and families to get back on their feet.

Work on the development will be completed by late 2017, and services will continue to be delivered at the existing site whilst work is underway on the new facility.

Helen Thompson, Calico’s director of customer services, said: “For years, thousands of people have benefitted from support, emergency housing and help to find new homes through the Elizabeth Street Project.

“However, that facility is not ideal due to its layout. A brand new, custom-built project to help people get back on their feet with rehousing, support and employment training will be a fantastic resource for the area.

“We will also make sure we work closely with key partners to provide services people may need and take referrals for those who would benefit from our programmes.”

In August, bosses at Calico said they would protect frontline services for older people while confirming more than 60 job losses as a vulnerable tenants scheme is axed.

They said that 62 posts would be lost at the Centenary Court housing provider.

For more information about the Mitre Street development, call Calico on 0800 169 2407 or 01282 686300.