PLANS for a £2 million hospice in Ebbw Vale have finally been submitted to Blaenau Gwent council, more than two years after the proposals were first touted.

Tredegar-based Hospice of the Valleys has submitted a Planning application to Blaenau Gwent council for a 1,288 metre squared day care centre which would incorporate clinical, administration and distribution facilities.

Hospice of the Valleys first announced the plans in November 2008, launching a special fund to raise the £2 million needed to make the proposals a reality by the end of 2010.

The Precious Moments Appeal had raised £350,000 by May 2009, but the Argus reported last year that the charity's fundraising efforts were being hampered by a lack of cash grants.

But chief executive Andrew Richards said its board of trustees has now agreed on plans for a new two-storey centre, with a full business case and request for financial support has also been submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government.

The charity would not reveal how much of the £2 million had been raised so far through the Precious Moment appeals, but Mr Richards said applications for financial support from other funding bodies were also being prepared.

He said meetings with Blaenau Gwent council representatives have been "reassuring", adding: "We are happy that the project is widely regarded as an essential development for provision of end-of-life care to the people of Blaenau Gwent."

He said the centre would be designed for patients to enjoy a high standard of facilities in a homely atmosphere with communal space and catering.

There would also be several private consulting rooms to be used by nurses, therapists, social workers and doctors while seeing patients.

Mr Richards added: "We aim to provide a centre that will be a home for the hospice, not an institution or administrative block."

Hospice of the Valleys is currently based on Morgan Street, Tredegar, employing a consultant, doctor, nine nurses, social workers, four administrative staff and two fundraisers.

The move would see office accommodation provided on The Works site - next to the recently opened Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital - with space available for future developments. Planning documents show a decision is due on the application next month.

Hospice of the Valleys was set up in 1991 and was one of the first to offer 24-hour palliative care at home for terminally ill people.

It now helps over 500 people a year, costing £1 million to run annually, with much of this raised by local people.