Homes for vulnerable approved
A‘FLAGSHIP’ disabled care complex has been given the green light - despite hundreds of objections.
Planning permission to build 37 apartments for vulnerable adults at a site at Ladybarn, off Elizabethan Way in Milnrow, was granted last week.
The number of apartments has been reduced by five from the original application.
Not-for-profit organisation Partners Foundation, which developed Hare Hill Court elderly care complex in Littleborough, say the development will help fill a gap for this type of accommodation in the borough.
But more than 220 people wrote to the council objecting to the proposals, while a petition signed by 139 members of the public, the residents because they put a lot of work into their objection and put together what I thought was a sound case.
Fellow Milnrow and Newhey councillor Neil Butterworth described the move as a ‘slap in the face to the hundreds of local residents who opposed this development’.
He added: “The site is too small to accommodate so many new homes and it will overlook neighbouring homes.
“It will lead to even more traffic problems on Harbour Lane and local health services are overstretched as it is.
“I’m all in favour of building new homes, particularly for vulnerable people and the growing elderly population.
“But this is in the wrong place and is the wrong size.
“My job as a local councillor is to stand up for the best interests of the residents of Milnrow and Newhey.
“I will continue to fight against the over-development of our villages.“
The development will be split into two buildings, containing 31 and six apartments and a cafe.
In a statement submitted with the application Partners Foundation said: “The scheme will provide housing for vulnerable adults aged 21 upwards.
“A large proportion have learning disabilities among other challenges.
“Following on from the success of Hare Hill in Littleborough, Partners Foundation are keen to provide another high quality care facility and the scheme will assist in the shortfall of provision identified in the borough.
“At this application stage it is considered that the architecture addresses the aesthetic of the neighbouring residential community and that the size of the site justifies the amount and scale of the development.”
A planning officer’s report said the flats would make a ‘significant contribution to the supply of housing in a sustainable location, as well as valuable supported living accommodation’.