A £35 MILLION scheme to redevelop St Ann’s Hospital in Poole is expected to be given the green light by planners later this week.

Dorset HealthCare Trust revised its plans to improve and update the hospital for people with mental health problems after a previous application was turned down in December 2009.

The proposals going before Poole’s planning committee on Thursday are to build four new wards and refurbish an existing ward block to create single room accommodation while keeping the original 100-year-old former sanatorium building.

Apart from being recommended for approval by council officers, the plans are backed by two celebrities – former Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hardy and comedienne Ruby Wax.

Karen, who spent her childhood in Dorset, said: “Some years ago, I suffered with post-natal depression after the birth of my son. This experience has given me real empathy with those struggling to cope with mental health problems “The trust’s proposals really would deliver the very best, modern facilities for people when they need them most.”

Ruby, who spent many years battling depression, said: “Why should you have to suffer because of mental illness? Stop the stigma and improve the facilities at St Ann’s Hospital.”

James Barton, director of mental health services at the trust, said most care was provided in the community. “With bed numbers only increasing from 107 to 108, our proposals are not about large-scale expansion,” he explained.

“They are about improving current facilities at St Ann’s Hospital, which no longer meet modern healthcare standards, while protecting the attractive Grade II* listed building at the heart of the site.

“We are relying on the council making the right decision in order for us to deliver the quality of services that we feel local people deserve. We have a limited financial window of opportunity to do this.”

The proposals were supported by 82 per cent of those who provided feedback during the trust’s consultation period. The council has also received 99 letters in favour of the application and only two against.