Proposals have been put forward to build a care home for the elderly on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

The two to four-storey development is on an acre of vacant land near Blackburn town centre on the site of a demolished mill.

It is on the opposite side of the canal to the Eanam Wharf Conservation area.

UV Care Blackburn Ltd have applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission for the 70-bedroomed home and a seven bed assisted living unit on land off Eleanor Street.

It replaces a scheme by Father McKenzie Holdings Ltd for a similar 88 bed proposal approved by councillors in October 2016.

The plan has been welcomed Blackburn with Darwen health boss Cllr Damian Talbot and local councillor Mahfooz Hussain.

Supporting statements with the application say: "The scheme is submitted with a view to securing the long-term future of this long-standing vacant site close to the town centre.

"It is a high quality, landmark, specialist care home, and assisted living units which will provide residents of Blackburn with an opportunity to reside in high-quality environment.

"The proposed development looks to go some way to offsetting those care beds currently being lost and meeting the increasing demand for such facilities.

"The proposed new home will provide 24-hour care for the residents of the home, and will be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

"It will incorporate the following facilities:

• all bedrooms will have full wet room en-suite bathrooms;

• 24-hour care provision;

• residents coffee shop, library, gym, and various lounge and dining areas assisted bathrooms/WCs;

• hairdressing and cinema;

• kitchen, laundry, staff facilities etc;

• secure landscaped garden complete with raised flower beds; and

• large reception area and family meeting room.

"The home will look to improve the quality of residents lives as a result of the introduction of falls prevention classes for improving residents' mobility, confidence and quality of life which reduces falls and related fractures and therefore hospital admissions.

"There is an identified need for quality care accommodation in the local area (particularly for people with dementia) and the proposal will provide a valuable community facility as well as extending the employment opportunities for local people."

Cllr Talbot said: "Obviously this scheme would be very welcome provided the planning application is approved. There is a need for care home provision in the borough."

Blackburn Central ward's Cllr Hussain said: "I would welcome this project. There is a growing need for this type of scheme. It would be good to see this site developed productively."