Care home and supported living proposal for former county council land in Stafford
A care home and supported living apartments for adults with learning disabilities could be built on land in Stafford previously owned by the county council.
The former Flash Ley Resource Centre site was sold off by the authority in 2019, three years after permission was sought to bulldoze the buildings on Hawksmoor Road.
In 2018, plans were submitted to Stafford Borough Council to build 30 homes on the land, but a decision was never made on the application.
Now, a fresh proposal has been put forward by Seddon Developments Ltd for a care home, assisted living apartments and affordable homes.
A planning statement submitted to the borough council as part of the application said: “The care element of the development will be split into two types of accommodation: (a) specialist residential care home providing six beds (and) four bed supported living apartment blocks. Each apartment will have its own kitchen, bathroom and separate toilet, living and dining area (and) all accommodation includes individual garden space which is important for privacy and relaxation.
“The specialist residential care element of the proposal seeks to provide registered residential accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs requiring varying degrees of nursing and care. The aim is to move people successfully to their own accommodation over time with individualised support.
“The apartments will support people with learning disabilities stepping down from more supportive environments, including the care home on site, giving individuals the opportunity to live more independently but still with access to support. The supported living element enables a care pathway so that when individuals are ready to move into their own homes this can be supported seamlessly by the existing team. It also means there is a level of core support on the same site which will help if staff need assistance anywhere.
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“The duration of stay for service users will be based on their needs but could be for several years and even longer if they have moved into one of the apartments. The operator works with housing associations and there will be a separation between the care provider and landlord for the apartments.”
Around 50 full time equivalent staff would be expected to work at the site during a week’s shifts, the statement added.
Wrekin Housing Group is working in partnership with Seddon Developments on the proposals for 17 affordable homes for rent and rent to buy at the site.
The statement said: “The proposed scheme will contribute significantly towards meeting the identified housing need for the area through the direct provision of 13 three bed houses and four two bed houses, being a mix of affordable rent and Rent to Buy, with the Rent to Buy homes being let to people in employment who wish in time to purchase their home.
“The group will make best use of these homes working in partnership with SBC (Stafford Borough Council) to ensure that all allocations are not only fair and transparent but also make optimum use of the housing stock to help foster a balanced and sustainable community.
“The homes for affordable rent will be let in partnership with SBC’s preferred lettings scheme, to ensure that all properties are advertised to local people with reference to the housing register.”
