NEIGHBOURS have launched a protest against plans to convert a £1.2million luxury home into a unit for offenders and people with learning difficulties.

Calderstones NHS Trust, which provides specialist mental health care throughout the North West, has put in a planning application to convert Bull Hill Farm, Bolton Road, Darwen, before it finalises a purchase.

But more than 70 people attended a residents meeting on Thursday to discuss their concerns.

The proposed development is a half way provision between hospital and home for those patients who no longer need the more specialised care available within Calderstones' Whalley-based service.

And a spokesperson for Calderstones said: "The overriding characteristic of our clients is that they have a learning disability. Some, but by no means all, potential Bull Hill Farm residents may have been referred via the courts but most will have lived at Calderstones' Whalley service for a number of years.

"Everyone living at Bull Hill Farm will have been assessed as being ready to make the move to a community service."

But Gary Mayer, 46, of Bull Hill Manor, which is next to the proposed development, said: "One of my children said they would not come and visit me anymore if this goes ahead.

"I moved to Bull Hill Manor seven months ago and I want to see this stopped.

"We found out about this last Friday and at least 30 letters of objection that have been sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

"Everyone is completely against the development."

The Trust proposes to provide two self contained flats for up to 12 people who will be fully supported on a 24 hour basis by a team of qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals in a low security environment.

Russ Pearce, chief executive of Calderstones, said: "It is a necessary half way step in our patients' journey from specialist hospital based care through to living in ordinary homes in local communities."

Geoffrey Butterworth, 61, of Bolton Road, said: "The type of people living there and the location is a big issue for the residents living in the Bull Hill area.

"If they are granted a change of use for the building what's to stop them expanding or turning it into a detention centre or prison?"

Sheila Service, 71, of Bolton Road, said: "The proposed development is unsuitable, it is in an isolated place and there are no amenities."

Ward councillor Karimeh Foster attended the meeting.

She said: "I am worried because it only takes one case to get out of hand and there is a big problem."