PLANS have been lodged to extend an adult respite centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's adults, community and prevention department is seeking to extend the six-bedroom facility at St Aidan's Avenue in Blackburn.

A planning application has been submitted proposing to build an extension which will form a living room at the centre, which caters for adults with complex behavioural and physical needs, including those with

mental health needs who are not sectioned under the mental health act.

The works will include a new porch to provide an independent entrance, building an extension creating a living room and remodelling of existing self-contained bedroom and bathroom.

It is also proposed to create an off street parking space with automated gate off Spring Bank Close, replace existing metal fencing and extending a wall in its place, and build new fencing/wall within the grounds to separate the garden to suit service

users.

The proposed extension for the home, which has a CQC rating of good, will not increase the total number of units, rather enhance one of them with an additional facility of a living room.

The centre operates as the council's short term breaks service, providing a guesthouse to enable people who have a learning disability to enjoy respite.