PLANS have been put forward to convert a former private school boarding house into apartments for young adults with autism, learning and challenging behaviours.

Helen Shepherd, of ProCare Wales, which has its head office in Rhyl, is behind the proposals.

The property is known as Hathaway on Pwllychrochan Avenue, Colwyn Bay. In the past, the building was used by Rydal Penrhos School as a boarding house for boys.

The decision to place the property for sale was made by Rydal Penrhos when the school ceased trading as a residential boarding school and converted to a day school only.

The rooms are described as generous in size, some overtly generous, with large glazed openings.

A Design and Access Statement says: "ProCare Wales is based on Kinmel Street in Rhyl and was established in 2001. They have a proven record of working closely with local authorities and are established in the remit of local principles and practices.

"Hathaway will become a specialist, community based service for young adults with autism, learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, providing care for male and female clients with significant developmental disabilities.

"The building will house 12 self-contained small apartments for use after ProCare's main programme has been applied. These apartments will encourage independence, have cooking facilities, yet benefit from having the full back up of the 24-hour care within each apartment should the resident need support."

The document adds that many people arriving at ProCare are young people who have experienced "extreme" violence in their life and have been given no examples of acceptable social or living skills.

The Design and Access Statement goes on to say: "Likewise at Arnold House, Hathaway will provide 24-hour person-centre curriculum and behaviour intervention using an Applied Behaviour Analysis methodology. This trusted and especially successful method continuously improves outcomes and opportunities for ProCare's service users.

"The in-house support team will provide a safe, caring, nurturing and homely environment to support these young adults with developmental disabilities."

Representations can be submitted until September 24.