A disused office building earmarked for apartments has had a further application submitted seeking to transform the premises into 13 flats for people with learning disabilities.

An application was submitted to Pendle Borough Council at the end of June 2022 by Yip Property North West Ltd to turn the former Exchange building in Spring Lane, Colne, into eight one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments.

The building, which was once used as offices, had been vacant for a while but residents said while bringing the building back into use would prevent it from becoming neglected, they were unhappy about the number of vehicles that could potentially come with the leasing of the apartments, clogging-up the surrounding roads and causing issues with traffic in an already congested area.

Despite objections, planning permission was granted in August, however now Acura Living Ltd, on behalf of Lancashire County Council, has submitted proposals to change the apartments into 13 one-bed flats for supported living accommodation with associated staff accommodation.

READ MORE: Plans to convert Colne Exchange building into 11 apartments approved by council

A planning statement reads: “This particular scheme will be used for individuals who have learning and physical disabilities and autism support needs.

“Supported living is typically defined as housing where support and/or care service are provided to help people live as independently as possible and provides people with individual tenancies.

“This means that they have a home of their own and will benefit from a great level of autonomy as far as their environment is concerned.

“People may live in an individual flat or have a room in a house with two or three other adults with similar support needs.

“The local authority or the registered provider/housing association will be referring people to the development and these typically will be aged between 18 and 65 and the aim is for these to be homes for life, although some people will thrive from the support and move into their own accommodation as they don’t need the level of support given any longer.

“At least one member of staff will be present at all times although this could be up to four and the care is 24 hours as one member of staff will sleep over.”

A single car parking space is to be created at the rear for staff use, but no other parking provision will be required.

Colne Town Council is in support of the application, however, it has requested that the design of the dormer windows be in keeping with the rest of the building.

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans is asked to do so by November 27.