By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
A care provider has lodged plans to turn two derelict Ashfield homes into facilities to support young people with learning difficulties.
And a local councillor says there have been ‘no complaints or concerns’ from residents.
The plans for the buildings in Alfreton Road, Sutton, would see two detached empty houses turned into a joint complex.
The site is close to three existing care homes and sheltered accommodation facilities including Adams House, The Hollies and Sherwood House.
It has been put forward by Hazelmont Care, a company which has previously opened similar facilities for vulnerable young people.
In documents, the provider says the site would offer a “safe and stable home life during their younger years” so they can live independent lives as adults.
Its care treats all young people as “unique in the interests they have, their life experiences and … their response to different therapies”.
As many as seven young people between the ages of eight and 18 could be cared for at the new site if it’s given planning consent.
The plans have been welcomed by a local councillor who said he hopes the application will be viewed “favourably” by planners.
Cllr Kier Barsby (Ash Ind), who represents Sutton St Mary’s, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s close to similar complexes and deals with derelict properties.
“The company which runs it has an exemplary record of dealing with people with severe learning difficulties.
“I have had no complaints from residents in the locality and no concerns have been expressed.”
All people in the facility’s care would be supported by dedicated carers during their waking hours, the applicant adds.
In documents, the company said: “It is proposed to merge the two existing plots into a single site and to bring them together, under one umbrella.
“For various reasons, [they] are not able to live with their parents, and are in recovery from past emotional trauma.
“This combined facility would provide a safe and nurturing home environment for a maximum of seven young people across the two buildings.
“They would be supported by dedicated carers who would be with them throughout their waking hours.”
Each of the two homes would be converted and upgraded for care facilities and would act as a fixed home for the young people.
The shared garden and outdoor spaces would be improved so they can be used by all residents.
The provider said: “[This will provide] them with further opportunities for interaction with other young people, aiding the development of interpersonal skills, and the building up of confidence.”
The complex would include bedrooms, some en-suite bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, lounges, utility space, offices and a ‘snug’.
It would be accessed through the existing entrance of one home and be exited through a new five-metre opening slightly west to the front of the other.
Entrance and exit into the complex would then operate on a one-way system, with eight car parking spaces created on-site for staff and visitors.
The authority’s planning department, and potentially councillors, will review the application in the new year.
