A FORMER school could be turned into supported living accommodation for vulnerable adults.

Plans have been submitted for the development on the site of the vacant Waterfoot County Primary School in Thornfield Avenue.

The school, which dates back to 1893, was closed in 2012 after it moved to a site in nearby Wolfenden Green.

The application, which has been submitted to Rossendale Council by Bolton-based Lakeland Independent Accommodation, includes plans for 20 one-bedroomed supported living units along with staff accommodation and 13 car parking spaces.

In a design and access statement, the applicant said: “The proposed use is for vulnerable adults with disability or mild mental health and or physical disability and without this facility they are unable to have some independence or be able to live in the community.

“There will be staff present at the property 24 hours each day with varying numbers of staff involved during different times of the day ranging from social workers, to nurses to occupational therapist.

“Resident staff have a responsibility to ensure tenants can live safely and function.”

The build will be left unaltered apart from minor changes to windows and the lower level accommodation.

A significant area of the lower yard to the back of the building will be dug up and landscaped.

In 2015 the council approved plans to build 22 apartments and six houses in the grounds, although they never came to fruition.

It had previously rejected the application submitted by Rochdale-based Aktar Hussein.

The supported accommodation plan was welcomed by Cllr Jacqueline Oakes, who covers the Rossendale East ward on Lancashire County Council.

She said: “I do support the plans.

“I think it is a much better proposal than the housing scheme that was submitted last time.

“I do not think there will be as much of an issue with car parking.

“Overall it is a much better scheme.

“It has been empty since the school left and there has been a little bit of vandalism.

“Nobody wants an empty building as a neighbour.

“They want to see it brought back into use in some way.”