Plans have been proposed for a new day care centre for young adults with learning difficulties in Laindon, so they do not have to travel to Southend.

Basildon Council has received a planning application to change the use of Churchview House, in Pound Lane, from a rehabilitation centre for people suffering with mental health issues.

The plans state that the centre will become a place for young people and their families in the area to visit and receive help and support from care workers.

The application has stated there is a serious need for a centre in the Basildon borough as previously people with learning difficulties have had to travel to Southend to receive the support the new centre would offer.

A spokesman for Forget Me Not Caring Ltd, the company who would run the centre, said: “There is a real demand for day centres within the Basildon and Laindon areas that support adults with learning disabilities.

“At present, a lot of adults are being transported to day centres in Southend, approximately a 24 mile return trip, which impacts on the adult’s journey time.

“It impacts on the environment due to additional fuel miles and impacts the public purse due to the additional cost of transport.”

The day centre is expected to be open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

It is proposed that eight full time staff members would work within the new centre.

Among the services proposed are arts and crafts, cooking and baking, music, games and evening events for the visitors.

The application comprises of two buildings, 18 Pound Lane will go through the change of use to help young adults with learning disabilities and difficulties.

The other building, 20 Pound Lane, will maintain its current use as a day centre. The first building was a ten-bed residential home for adults who suffered from severe mental health problems. It was previously owned and run by South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who vacated the premises a few months ago.