A care and rehabilitation home for residents with mental health issues is seeking to expand and secure its future viability.

Rockmount North West Ltd has applied to Hyndburn Council for the upgrading of its existing premises in Blackburn Road, Rishton.

It has asked for planning permission to build a new extension to provide a rehabilitation bedroom with an en-suite, activity area and roof storage over new offices, and conversion of the existing management suite to a disabled bedroom with an en-suite, and the creation of additional parking for three cars.

A supporting statement submitted with the application says: "Rockmount North West is a collaborative care facility in Rishton specialising in mental health and rehabilitation care.

"Rockmount provide a safe and supportive environment for people with a mental illness diagnosis who may also have a mild to moderate learning disability.

"This environment enables people to rehabilitate and recover to optimal functioning, within the limitations of their illness and ability.

"The application site is located to the south west corner of the overall larger site of the care facility.

"The proposed new extension has been designed to reflect the existing surrounding buildings on the site thereby maintaining continuity of the site development.

"In physical terms the main works include a new two-storey extension to the rear within a walled garden.

"The works proposed are an absolute minimum in order to ensure Rockmount North West can deliver effective care for it’s patients both now and in the long-term.

"The proposals will therefore have a positive social impact on the local community in ensuring effective care for patients and providing local employment.

"The crucial issue here is that the proposed works represent the minimum level of investment for Rockmount North West Ltd and that it remains viable in the long-term.

"The proposal is for a two-storey extension with a first floor dormer.

"The proposed unit will provide ground floor office space with associate ancillary accommodation including kitchen / brew up area, toilets, entrance /reception etc.

"The first floor will provide a rehabilitation bedroom and ensuite with a teaching area and roof storage.

"The proposal of a two-storey building to the rear of the existing buildings will improve the function of the care facility but at the same time remain a subtle addition within the community.

"It is felt that through the careful choice of high quality materials this modest addition will not look out of place."