TWENTY-five years after mental health facilities provided at Castel Hospital were identified as inadequate, plans to replace them are going to the States.

Health and Social Services is the second department to bring a big spending report to the Assembly as members prepare to prioritise the order in which projects are tackled this term.

Following the rough ride given to the Public Services airport runway plans, Health will attempt to get in-principle approval for its £31m. project.

A key part of its proposal to allow the new mental health facility to be developed at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital is to close Oberlands House. This provides facilities for 12 adults with disabilities, and instead develop three homes.

But there is a sticking point – with Environment indicating that planners would block one of them – so Health is looking at the options for where to build it.