NEIGHBOURS are fighting plans to build flats on their doorstep for sufferers of schizophrenia.

A North West charity is seeking the go-ahead to build the block of flats and three terraced houses on land off Highfield Street, Haslingden.

The charity, Making Space, is joining forces with the West Pennine Housing Association for the development which would house seven schizophrenia sufferers and a caretaker.

Rossendale councillors will tomorrow consider the proposal. Planning officers are recommending approval but residents of Highfield Street have opposed the plan.

They claim the area is unsuitable for this type of tenant, and the development out of character with existing houses, would cause extra traffic hazards and rob residents of parking space. But planners say the proposal to use natural stone and slate is in keeping with the area and the charity's offer to resurface the rough, unmade street will improve road conditions.

Making Space, based in Warrington, Cheshire, is a charity for the support of schizophrenics and their relatives in the North West and already has 270 tenants in 38 similar schemes.

Charity bosses have told the council the idea behind the supported housing scheme is to help sufferers live independently.

They say tenancies will be offered first to local people who are living with parents, in hostels, in other rented property or in board and lodging.

They have assured councillors: "The scheme is not intended for the resettlement of patients from long stay hospitals."

Tenants would have good quality furnished accommodation with support plus the company and friendship of other people in a similar situation.

The charity says: "All tenants will be carefully selected, according to our lettings policy which will exclude anyone seen as a threat to the public.

"Applicants will be expected to be broadly capable of independent living, ie shopping, cooking, cleaning, budgeting and self-medication, albeit with support needed in some respects."

The charity would also appoint a resident caretaker and non-resident tenant support worker.

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