TWO neighbouring boroughs need hundreds more homes accessible to wheelchair users, a new study has revealed.

The report, jointly-commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn councils, says by 2036 they need 1,700 new housing units suitable for older and disabled people.

It specifically identifies a shortfall in properties suitable for wheelchair users.

The Housing and Economic Need Assessment, prepared by consultants G L Hearn, assesses how many and what type of new homes the two boroughs will need by 2036.

It suggests Blackburn with Darwen requires 411 new properties a year compared to a government target of 99, and Hyndburn 216 compared to Whitehall’s recommended 31.

A special section on Older Persons' Need reveals: “The data shows that in general, Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn have a higher level of disability when compared with the national position, and that an ageing population means that the number of people with disabilities could be expected to increase in the future.

“Key findings include a 30 per cent increase in the population aged 65-plus (accounting for 100 per cent of total population growth), a total need for around 1,700 units of specialist housing for older people, and a need for around 400 dwellings to be for wheelchair users.”

It says Blackburn with Darwen is now short of 200 wheelchair-accessible homes, a figure set to rise by 56 before 2036. Hyndburn is 121 below its current need and will require to provide 138 in the next 18 years.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “We have made considerable provision for our older residents, including Riverside Heights in Darwen and Albion Mill in Ewood. This report is about matching housing provision with needs and identifying gaps of which the lack of wheelchair-accessible homes is clearly one.”

Cllr Jacquie Slater, borough Tory group care spokeswoman, said: “Our borough is doing well on this front but Hyndburn seems to have a lot more to do. It is good to look for gaps.”

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “This study is to ensure our future housing provision meets the borough’s needs and we are looking to commission more bungalows for older residents.”