ALMOST 30 jobs could be created in Rossendale after housing group Calico unveiled plans for a specialist dementia care home.

The Burnley-based organisation has earmarked land off Market Street, Shawforth, for a 28-bed home to replace its existing Sunnyside Rest Home in Coupland Close.

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The site, in the Facit area between Bacup and Whitworth, is currently vacant and Calico said it believed the development would be “a very positive addition to the area”.

Christine Wark, who has lodged the application with Rossendale Council, said the home would recruit nine full-time and 19 part-time staff if the proposals were approved.

In a design and access statement, she said initial feedback regarding the project, from a public meeting in Whitworth Library last September, had been positive.

She said: “The aim is to re-provide the existing Sunnyside Rest Home within the town of Whitworth.

“The proposed contemporary, high quality, purpose-built care home will enable the increase of the current services provided.

“It will also accommodate for the growing demand of nursing, residential and dementia care facilities in Rossendale.

“The proposed development is to be a ‘home’ for the residents and is based on a household model which creates small household living, independence and choice.

“The scheme will provide accommodation comprising of 28 bedrooms divided into two self-contained households of 14 residents.

“Also provided will be a multi-use communal space, secure landscaped gardens and parking.

“There will be areas for residents’ dining, assisted bathing, communal kitchens and lounge areas, as well as staff facilities.

“It is envisaged that the communal facilities will be located towards the front of the proposal on Market Street so that it is easily accessible for local families and the community.”

Whitworth Care Trust, which has managed Sunnyside since it opened in 1986, began working with Calico in 2013 to “secure the best future” for its services.

Karen Henderson, independent living manager for Calico, said she hoped the new facilities in Shawforth would prevent the trust’s closure.

She said: “Having worked with the staff and residents, and considered all the options, it has been agreed that a new purpose-built site with better facilities is the only solution that will prevent the trust’s closure.”