Warning over impact of care home plan on neighbours

A planning application has been submitted to use a three-bedroom property on Rookwood Avenue in Anchorsholme to provide supported living for a single young person aged between 18 and 25.

It comes after a previous application to use the house for children’s residential accommodation was refused by the council last year.

Applicant Arron Darwen says, in documents submitted to the council, the aim is to provide CQC registered accommodation to support adults with “additional needs, mental illness, learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, and trauma-based disorders.”

This would include skills needed for independent living, with support provided round-the-clock by carers.

He adds: “As a new service, we plan to make a difference to the lives of young adults with additional needs.”

But councillors Paul Galley, who represents Anchorsholme, and Julie Sloman, who represents Norbreck, have both objected to the proposals.

Coun Sloman, who says she has 25 years experience working in social care, warns: “Attempting to manage such complex and challenging behaviours in the context of a semi-detached property would without doubt have impact on the immediate and near neighbours, compromising peaceful enjoyment of their own homes.”

She added a similar service in Norbreck had “caused considerable inconvenience and distress to occupants of both the adjoining and nearby properties.

“Residents have been subject to excessive noise disturbance, verbal abuse, intimidation, the pervasive smell of illicit substances, unruly behaviour, and have witnessed distressing scenes of young people acting out trauma driven behaviour including self-injurious behaviour and mental distress.”

She added action was now being taken by the council’s planning enforcement team.

Coun Galley said: “Whilst it is extremely important that people of all ages are able to access placements that can meet their needs within their own communities, it is also important that the authority ensures financial resources are targeted appropriately and for the betterment of local people.”

A statement from the council’s Children’s Service department in response to consultation, says it would not commission residential care for just a single person as it was not financially viable.

Instead care would be provided through a supported living package in their own home.