PLANS have been lodged to convert a former recruitment agency office into a 14-bed supported living scheme.

The application has gone in to Hyndburn Council proposing to convert the old Cummins Mellor offices at Milnshaw House, Whalley Road, Accrington.

The accommodation is to provide low-level care for people making the step from residential care to living independently within the community.

The development is for the change of use from an office building to provide supported accommodation consisting of 14 en suite bedrooms with shared kitchen and living facilities for individuals who have already regained a high level of independence but still require a minimal level of 24-hour care.

Northern Healthcare Ltd, which will be operating the site, currently have facilities in Barrow-in-Furness, Bolton, Rochdale, Wakefield, Shipley and Liverpool providing very similar accommodation.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: “Full-time staffing will be provided over 12-hour shifts, with changeover times usually 8am and 8pm, and will comprise a mixture of qualified nurses and support workers.

“Staffing levels during the day will be one member of staff per three residents during daytime hours and typically two staff covering all nine units during the nightshift.

“In addition, there is anticipated to be a manger/administrator working on a part-time basis between 9am to 1pm.

“The design seeks minimal internal alterations, creating 14-bedroom units, all with en suite facilities.

“Fourteen car parking spaces including a disabled car parking space will be retained along with the addition of staff cycle storage.

“No residents have access to a vehicle, only staff. There is a private courtyard area to the rear of the property, where bin storage will be housed.”

Cummins Mellor Group announced its move from Milnshaw House in Accrington to the top floor of the office block in the £34million Cathedral Quarter in Blackburn in August last year.

They made the move in November last year, relocating after 21 years in Accrington and taking on three new recruits in the process.

Cllr Paul Cox, who represents the area on the borough council, said: “If the plans go through it would be great to see the building being used and not left in an empty state."