CHILDREN from Dorset with serious psychiatric problems are being sent across the country for treatment.

That is why, the NHS says, a new psychiatric intensive care unit in Bournemouth should be granted planning permission.

As part of a national policy to improve mental health services, Dorset HealthCare wants to build an eight bed facility for youngsters aged 12-18 at Herbert Hospital in Alumhurst Road.

At a pre-application hearing before Bournemouth's planning board, Eugine Yafele, the trust's chief operating officer, said: "Last year we sent 33 children in need of treatment away from home.

"In some cases for treatment as far away as Northumberland.

"These are the most vulnerable who need to be with their families who know them well.

"Treatment may take twice as long as staff need to get to know the children from scratch."

Mr Yafele said the trust expects to be dealing with more children with serious psychiatric disorders next year, and that while places were being sought such children are often left waiting at local hospitals, taking up space for patients.

Planning officer Charles Raven said constraints on the site include its three Grade II listed buildings and numerous protected trees, eight of which would have to be felled.

John Montgomery, of planning consultants Tanner and Tilley, said the site had "very challenging planning issues" but the council would need to weigh these against the need for the facility.

Mr Yafele said national requirements for its location meant NHS Dorset was limited to a "choice of one" site.

Board chairman Councillor David Kelsey said: "We are going to have to look at this very, very carefully to balance our own policies against the policy of need."

Members agreed they would visit the site together to assess the impact of the proposals on the setting and on residents.

The new facility, a secure unit with accommodation, medical and teaching facilities, would be primarily aimed at youngsters from Dorset but would also be available for use by health services in other parts of the country if necessary.