PLANS to build a state-of-the-art neuro rehabilitation unit in Enham Alamein have been given the green light by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee.

Under the ambitious project, submitted by Design Engine on behalf of disability charity the Enham Trust, the new 14-bed rehab centre will treat people who have suffered damage to their nervous system, including brain injuries and strokes, acquired through an accident or from a neurological illness or virus.

The unit will be built on part of the former Cedar Park site in Enham Alamein.

Construction work is planned to start by the end of the year, with the first clients moving into the centre in spring 2017.

As well as agreeing the proposal for the new centre, planners also agreed in principal to the development of 95 new disabled accessible apartments and a new health and wellbeing centre on the charity’s home estate in the village.

Enham Trust’s chief executive, Peta Wilkinson, said: “We are delighted that planners have agreed to support our plans.

This development will enable us to develop our services and to support more people living with a disability to live the lives they choose.

“Enham Trust has had a long history of helping disabled people to become socially and economically independent and this development will enable us to reach out to more people.”

Design Engine director Rod Graham said: “This is an ambitious and imaginative scheme which will make a substantial difference to the daily lives of Enham Trust’s clients.

“We are proud that it has received such unanimous support.”

Enham Trust said the agreement of the new development is part of its plans to “grow the support” that it offers people living with a disability.