MENTAL health support staff at a hospital in Winwick may be forced to move into a portable cabin office for up to five years.

A planning application has been submitted to Warrington Borough Council on behalf of the NHS that would see mental health support staff moved into a portable cabin facility.

The site in question is an NHS facility in Winwick, Hollins Park Hospital.

According to the application, the move could see staff relocated to the temporary office block for up to five years.

As per the documents available on the council's online planning portal, up to eight members of mental health support staff could be moved into the new portable cabin.

According to Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the move will be necessary as the NHS 'rationalises office accommodation across its entire estate.'

The application states: "The temporary (Portakabin Titan) building is of a single module construction supported on four adjustable jack legs.

"The temporary building will not be visible to the public."

According to the documentation, the Portakabin facility will not be wheelchair-accessible.

It states: "Disabled access is not available to the office accommodation.

"The building is accessed by existing members of the estates department only."

The document continues: "Due to the contours of the site it will not be possible to provide a satisfactory disabled approach to the temporary building.

"However, the client, Mersey Care, is committed to equality and diversity, and if circumstances arise will look to provide suitable access."

The Portakabin will be used for 'office accommodation in support of mental health services.'

This application is currently under consideration by planning officers at Warrington Borough Council, with a decision due by Monday, June 12.