THE NHS has explained what it has planned for a former brewery that has been earmarked for accommodation for people who “have a mental illness”.

NHS Sussex has proposed to turn the Old Brewery in South Street, Portslade, into supported accommodation for people with mental health issues.

The scheme has so far proved controversial, with residents and councillors raising "extreme" concerns.

Read more: Residents' worries at plans to house people with mental health issues in former brewery

A spokesman from NHS Sussex said the aim is to create “high quality accommodation and support” for people with “mental illness” already residing in the community.

The proposed new accommodation includes two support services - a housing service that provides flats to people for which a rent is charged and one focused on supporting the mental health of people from Brighton and Hove.

It will be run by Darlington-based charity St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG), who have advertised for a number of roles for the new scheme, including a substance misuse co-ordinator.

“A new supported accommodation for those who have a mental illness and are already living in the local community is being proposed for the Old Brewery in Portslade,” said the spokesman.

“Our aim is to provide high quality accommodation and support for individuals with mental illness.

Read more: Anger at plans to house drug users and people with other problems at former brewery

“The proposal is not for a hostel or registered care home.

“The proposed mental health supported accommodation service, Carbone House, in the Old Brewery in Portslade will be run by national charity SJOG, that has extensive experience working to support people across the UK including existing services in Brighton and Hove, and whose safe houses accommodate people affected by trauma and have subsequent mental health support needs.

"The accommodation will have a significant staff team, and there will be staff on site 24 hours a day, with further support from the provider’s national team."

Following concerns from councillors and residents a “period of engagement” will be carried out to hear from the community.