A HOME for people with learning disabilities may be set up in a former Bordon health centre.

If the change of use proposal by Heathcotes Group is approved, it’s likely more than 30 jobs will be created to look after the residents.

The company, based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, will buy the former Elizabeth Dibben Centre in Pinehill Road if East Hampshire District Council agrees to their proposal.

Managing director of Heathcotes Southern, Mikkel Togsverd, told the Post: “We are a specialist provider of residential care for people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder.

“We predominantly operate in the north of England but last year I came on board to establish more services in the south and since last August we now have services in Northamptonshire, Sutton and Surrey.

“There is a national priority around getting people out of long stay hospital settings and living in the community and our services can often meet that need.

“We are always looking for sites or services that can work for our client group and find that there is a genuine shortage of specialist providers with our experience and track record.

“With the Elizabeth Dibben Centre, we see a unique opportunity to develop a relatively spacious building to meet specialist needs while still being in a town centre. This creates an excellent possibility to support people to be part of their community which often has been a challenge in hospital settings.

“Further we can provide assessment flats which can help as a next stage for people to move into further independence where appropriate or give people the space and stability they might need before moving into a group setting.

“Our offer of purchasing the building is subject to planning, so fingers are crossed until we know the outcome. Conversations we have had with planners and commissioners have been positive.

“We anticipate to be creating 30-plus jobs as most people supported would require staff with them all of the time,” added Mr Togsverd.

Community mental health services formerly provided at the Elizabeth Dibben Centre were moved to Chase Hospital in the town in March last year.

For information about Heathcotes Group, visit www.heathcotes.net