The firm behind a new residential care home for adults with mental health needs and learning disabilities in a former East Lancashire hub for young people is proposing to double it in size.

In October Bolton-based Perpetual Care won planning permission to convert the Great Harwood Youth And Community Centre in the town's Lowerfold Park.

The proposed new care home was to house eight residents with 24 hour support.

The two-storey stone building was controversially sold off by Lancashire County Council after a period of use as offices.

The youth centre closed in 2020 and replaced by an outreach service.

Now Perpetual Care has made a new application to Hyndburn Council to increase the number of residents to 16.

It would add eight extra bedrooms on the first floor.

A supporting statement submitted with the planning application says: "The site is located within Lowerfold Park.

"Perpetual Care is a highly reputable care company that has been dedicated to offering 24-hour residential support for adults (between 18 and 65 years), with mental health and learning disabilities, for over 25 years.

"They have four existing, specialised homes registered for mixed sexes, which are staffed by a team of dedicated professionals.

"There will be a maximum of four full time members of staff along with a duty manager during the day (8am to 8pm) and a maximum of two members of staff during the night (8pmto 8am).

"The proposal is to convert the ground floor into eight bedrooms all with en-suite facilities.

"The communal lounges and dining areas will be provided more centrally within the building.

"In addition, there will be a laundry room, a utility room and a kitchen, along with a staff office and night staff room.

"At first floor level a further eight en-suite bedrooms are proposed similarly, with the centrally located lounge and dining area and associated store, laundry, staff, utility and treatment rooms.

"The principle of development and loss of the existing facility has been established through the previous granting of permission.

"The only change to this application when compared to the previously approved scheme, with regards to external changes, is the incorporation of five dormers (rather than four) on the rear roof slope.

"Adequate outdoor space is provided within the site for use by the residents for sitting, relaxation and gentle exercise.

"It is not considered that the proposal, to increase the number of bedrooms from eight to 16, will have a detrimental impact with regards to design and appearance, residential amenity, highway safety or ecology and trees."