A HEALTH centre could be adapted to provide residential and respite services to people with mental health issues.

A planning application has been submitted to Hyndburn Council to change the use of the former Oswaldtwistle Clinic in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

Built in 1877, the detached building was until recently an NHS-owned health centre.

The application, in the name of Margaret Hughes, proposes a change to live-in care.

If the plans are approved by councillors, the building would become a house of multiple occupation, with eight bedrooms upstairs and one on the ground floor.

Documents submitted with the application say the proposed services would support individuals, families and carers during crises.

They add: “The service also intends to alleviate pressures surrounding bed allocation on local hospitals and work collaboratively with Lancashire Constabulary to ensure that individuals with mental health issues are supported adequately.

“The new service will be provided by two directors, both educated to masters level, one being a qualified social worker and the other with a policing background.

“The proposed services will be staffed at all times and the directors aim to employ 10 qualified members of staff.

“We aim to provide supported living and care to a maximum capacity of 10 individuals.

“The premises aim to provide a supported living environment for individuals in need of residential therapeutic mental health services.

“The individuals would not be detained against their will, providing no additional security issues.”

The documents add: “The service we aim to provide will support them to make decisions that are in the individual’s best interest.

“The centre aims to create an opportune learning environment and to manage individuals, enabling them to live a meaningful fulfilled life.”

Cllr Peter Birtwistle, who represents the ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “It’s good to see that the building is going to be put back into use, as this is a prominent site.

“One hopes there will be an appropriate and tasteful use.” Fellow ward councillor Stewart Eaves declined to comment.