The home would have provided rehabilitation for up to 22 people

The Rhoserchan project based at Capel Seion, four miles north of Aberystwyth, wanted to buy a nursing home three miles south of the seaside town.

It would have enabled the drug and alcohol rehabilitation project to raise the number on its programme to 16, and set up a detoxification unit for six people.

But organisers have now pulled out of the deal for the Plas Abermad home because the Care Standards Inspectorate would not let them develop both under one roof.

The idea of having both units under one roof was a pioneering project for Wales Libby Fowler, Rhoserchan project

"The maximum number of clients allowed for a care home for younger adults is 16, but we had also wanted to set up a detoxification unit for six people as well," said Libby Fowler, the project's business manger.

Cost effective

"The idea of having both units under one roof was a pioneering project for Wales and would have provided a seamless service for people with alcohol and drug problems.

"But the restrictions meant we would only have been able to provide spaces for 16 people between the two units, which was not cost effective for us."

She said it was now looking to expand its facilities for 16 people at another site and the detoxification unit idea had now been jettisoned.

The Rhoserchan project, which has been based at Capel Seion since 1988, has 12 places on a 12-week programme for drug and alcohol problems.

A Care Standards Inspectorate spokesman said: "We are aware of this proposal but no application has been received in respect of Plas Abermad."

She said the maximum number of users allowed in Wales and England was 16.

"However in settings providing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol dependence England allows some flexibility," she added

The responsibility for finding new accommodation for the Plas Abermad residents falls to the local authority's social services department.

The home is for sale because its owners, Donald and Jane Smyth, want to retire.

The eventual sale of the home will mean that Ceredigion Council will have to find alternative homes for the 25 Abermad residents.