A SECOND attempt to build supported living accommodation for people with autism on the site of a former pub is being made.

In September last year planners refused permission to construct 16 one and two-bed dwellings for people in need of additional support by applicants Centurion Blackburn House – an arm of Hilldale Housing Ltd.

It was ruled that there was ‘no identified local need’ for the new specialist unit.

Now the company has come back with a slightly smaller scheme to build on the site of the former Centurion pub on Higher Croft Road in Blackburn was lodged in May 2018.

It seeks approval from Blackburn with Darwen Council for 11 one-bed residential units within a secure residential mental health and social care facility.

Hilldale provides housing for people who have learning disabilities or autism, and also provide supported accommodation for people with physical disabilities.

The former pub was knocked down after becoming a magnet for vandalism and arson.

The Centurion fell into disuse and was demolished in 2008 due to the risk of having the building repeatedly broken into and fires set.

Blackburn South East Independent councillor Andy Kay said: “I still have concerns about this development.

“I don’t there is a need for it in the borough at the moment and I am not convinced it is in the right place.”

A statement supporting the planning application from Studio KMA says: “The site is ideally located to accommodate a facility of this nature. It is highly accessible yet quite secluded, being virtually hidden from public view thanks to the existing mature trees and vegetation to the site boundaries.

“This level of privacy and screening, enhanced via the inclusion of additional trees and landscaping, would be of great benefit to the future residents of the proposed development and their wellbeing.

“We consider that the loss of the former public house is not sufficient grounds to refuse this application on land use grounds, particularly when it results in the delivery of much-needed housing.

“It will provide high-quality specialist residential accommodation to contribute to the provision of mental health and social care within the local community and the wider borough.

“It will maximise the development potential of this under-used brownfield site.”