TWELVE jobs are to be created when a private nursing home expands by building an extension on top of its premises.

The unit, at Springhill House Nursing Home, Fairfield Street, Accrington, will be completed by the end of the summer.

It will provide specialist care for people recovering from strokes and fractures and will give respite care for elderly people living at home.

The Special Care Unit will be built on to first floor accommodation and will cater for six more patients, creating between ten to 12 new jobs.

The plan is identical to one granted permission five years ago by Hyndburn Borough Council. And, although some objections regarding extra noise, and loss of privacy and views were received, permission was granted again yesterday.

The self-contained unit will have its own lounge, dining area, bedrooms and rehabilitation kitchen where patients will be able to prepare food.

The nursing home was set up 19 years ago in the former home of the Platts, the family who owned Howard and Bullough.

Kath Parkinson, manager and director of Springhill House, said the plan was given permission five years ago, but they did not take advantage of it because it was thought the home would have to close for the construction period.

"But we got in contact with an architect who has built extensions on top of three existing structures without closing them down," she said.

"So as the previous permission expired we decided to apply again.

"We have a lift but we can only bring down two at a time. With the new extension it means that we can keep residents on the same floor that they have their meal.

"At the present time we have 65 patients and 75 staff. This will increase the patients we care for by six and the staff by ten to 12."

Brendan Lyons, Planning and Transportation Officer for Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "The main issue was the effect of the proposed extension on neighbouring properties in Arncliffe Avenue and Barden Road.

"The proposed extension will be considerably lower than the properties of Arncliffe Avenue, and at a distance of 32 metres it is at an acceptable distance.

"The loss of the view is not a material planning consideration and the noise generated by the air conditioning units and by delivery vehicles relates to the existing building.

"There has been no change in circumstances since the granting of the original planning permission and I have no objections to this proposal."

Ward councillor Edith Dunston voted against the proposal saying some of the rooms would overlook nearby houses.

"There have been objections from Armcliffe Avenue.

"I have been in the gardens of the home where they have the the patio doors and I'm not convinced it won't overlook that road."