Developers of a controversial home for patients with mental health problems today revealed more details of the scheme.

Moat Housing Group has submitted a proposal to Castle Point Council to build the facility on disused land near Long Road, Canvey.

The home will cater for residents who have previously been in-patients at the Runwell Hospital in Wickford which is set to close down in two years.

The Bailey Housing Association, a charitable member of the Moat group which provides supported housing, is also involved in the scheme.

If town planners give the go-ahead and work is completed, Bailey would own the property and issue the occupancy agreements for each resident.

This would set the standards of behaviour expected.

A Moat spokesman said: "It is not the policy of Bailey to accommodate anyone in its supported housing or nursing homes whose behaviour is likely to be inappropriate in a normal residential setting."

The care service for the home would then be provided by the MCCH Society, which has "considerable experience in managing care homes and will undertake all appropriate training and advice to ensure that the 12 persons settle and reside happily in the home".

MCCH's service would be monitored by the health authority.

The home would be staffed 24 hours a day with two staff awake on duty at night.

However, residents nearby have vowed to put a stop to the plan.

Campaigner Lynn Pullinger, of Long Road, Canvey, has printed petitions which she will distribute around the island in protest at the application.

She said: "I have had a lot of support already. Not one person I have spoken to has said it has got nothing to do with me. This is Canvey's problem. Everybody has to come to this point on the island."

Moat, a group of registered social landlords which develops housing for families and special needs group, has said it will fully consult with residents.

Letters have already been delivered by hand to about 20 addresses and Moat has said it is willing to discuss its plans with any interested neighbours.

Mrs Pullinger is also worried about the effect on property prices in the area and claimed she would be contacting her ward councillors.

The application is set to be considered by Castle Point Council's town planning committee later this month.

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