PLANS have been submitted to change a long-closed former pub into a 24-hour mental health recovery support centre, according to documents revealed this week.
A planning application to change the use of the former Hoyle Mill Inn, on Pontefract Road, was submitted to the council’s planning board on July 1.
If approved, the site will be used as a community-based mental health recovery support centre for a maximum of six people to stay.
The project proposes a recovery house, which will offer 24-hour support to those in residence.
A planning report states: “The recovery homes are situated in the heart of the community and promote a balance of support, independence, dignity and respect, these houses are the ideal transitional step in supporting individuals moving from 24-hour care towards independent living.
“Following residential support, the applicants continue this support and provide continuity of care with their community recovery team.
“Clients are accepted via direct referrals from professional colleagues who are working with anyone with an enduring mental illness, who they feel may benefit from the service.”
The applicant, Community Recovery, is a family-run company which established in the town 30 years ago.
They provide ‘bespoke’ mental health recovery packages in residential settings for those who need the support in Barnsley.
They already have a number of sites across the borough, and a planning statement said ‘positive integration’ is at the core of what they do.
“Convinced that people with mental health issues were being let down by the quality of services available at the time, and with a belief that she could offer care and support in new innovative ways, Janet Barlow opened her first small home in Barnsley with just three residents,” the report added.
“As a nurse trained and with 29 years’ experience in care she was joined in 2006 by her son, a mental health professional.
“The company has expanded over those years with the purchase of further homes, but Janet’s original focus on individuals needs and providing a home environment is still what underpins their approach to the care and support every resident receives.
“The application site is situated on the north side of Pontefract Road (the A628), approximately 2.4km (1.5 miles) to the north of Barnsley town centre.
“The site comprises the building and curtilage of the former Hoyle Mill Inn public house, and surrounding car park.
“The former pub has been vacant for more than five years and at present is in a somewhat tired condition aesthetically and structurally.”
A total of 43 neighbours have been made aware of the application with no appeals to date.
Public consultation ends on July 29.
