Aug 17, 2024, Lancashire Post: Autism care facility to open in suburban Preston
N. England
A specialist care facility for adults with autism is set to open in a residential property in the Preston suburbs. . . .
It will provide round-the-clock support for eight people, but the firm behind the scheme says its aim is also to enable residents “to develop their independent living skills in a community setting”.
Concert Healthcare Property Holdings Limited told Preston City Council that its plans were supported by commissioners at the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB). As part of its planning application, the company said the NHS in the county had confirmed that there was “an unmet need” for housing for autistic people in the county.
A report by Preston City Council planning officials – who approved the changes to the six-bedroomed dwelling – notes that the facility will operate a “home-from-home environment”.
Five of the bedrooms in the main property will be used by residents, while “care apartments” will be created for the three other people who will live there. Those flats will be developed in two existing garages and in an extension that will be built at the rear of the premises once an existing conservatory has been demolished.
The firm plans to have four care workers and a manager running the premises during the day and two ‘waking’ staff overnight.. . . .
The proposal was considered to be “acceptable”, with no detrimental effects on neighbouring properties or highway safety.
Comments