PLANS to build a pair of ‘much-needed’ assisted living blocks for adults recovering from mental health illnesses in Athersley South have been approved by Barnsley Council’s planning board.
Last December, an application was submitted to Barnsley Council last week two build the two, two-storey units, which will consist of a total of 14 apartments between Cromford Avenue and Blackheath Road.
Applicants Alpha Dora Property Group say that Lifeways SIL - who have been providing specialist support and recovery services since 1995 and are currently the UK’s largest supported living care specialist - will run the site.
They have claimed that following discussions with the council, it is ‘clear’ that these types of services are needed in Barnsley.
A planning report states: “It has been confirmed that as of January 27, 2023 there were 204 people with learning disabilities, mental health and/or autism being supported under the ACSES supported living framework, housed in 29 supported living units across Barnsley.
“She also confirmed that there is a need and therefore a shortage of supported accommodation to be delivered under the ACSES framework.
“At the time it was confirmed that the amount of supported living accommodation does need to increase to continue to meet the current needs of a further (estimated) 28 people.
“Clare Burton, senior commissioning manager of adult joint commissioning at Barnsley Council, also provided Alpha Dora with confirmation that there is a need for supported accommodation and provider support to be delivered under the ACSES framework.
“Stating the gaps in provision include, mental health accommodation and support, and whilst we have some mental health support providers on the framework this is insufficient to meet the current and future needs.”
A total of 35 neighbouring properties were made aware of the plans, including local councillors and businesses.
However, no letters of response were received.
A separate report states: “The application site is a brownfield, rectangular shaped site located between Blackheath Road and Cromford Road.
“Historic images indicate that the site has been vacant for over 25 years, though the ground is mostly concrete with vegetation and informal planting growing through.
“The proposed apartments would provide assisted living accommodation for adults recovering from mental health illnesses who require additional support transitioning from institutional care facilities to independent living.
“The applicant/agent have liaised with the relevant council departments in regard to the need for this type of accommodation.
“The adult care home team have reviewed the application submission given the nature of the proposed use.
“Within the consultation response comments, the commissioning manager has confirmed that there is a need/demand for the proposed type of accommodation, with the location of the application site also being considered suitable for the intended client group.
“The commissioning manager did raise some queries regarding the proposed landlord and suggested that the council will only utilise the service if the landlord is on the council’s provider framework.
“Discussions regarding the landlord/operator is not a material planning consideration and therefore is afforded limited weight.
“Strategic housing also queried the suggested fallback position of the apartments being used as social rent.
“The agent confirmed that the landlord/operator will agree a 25-year lease for the proposed assisted living accommodation.”
The plans were given the green light by Barnsley Council’s planning board earlier this week.
