Plans have been submitted for a new adult social care facility to support Plymouth residents with learning disabilities.
The state of the art, modern and accessible building has been designed specifically to support people with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs.
It plans to bring together a day and respite service in one accessible location to replace the current daytime support offer at The Vine in Whitleigh and the respite provision at Colwill Lodge in Estover.
The plans include seven self-contained flats and seven en suite bedrooms as well as a wide range of communal activity spaces, such as sensory rooms, art rooms and a kitchen.
The location, on the former depot site on Outland Road which once belonged to the Council’s Parks department, has been chosen for its convenient central location and proximity to Central Park. This would make it easier for people to access the service and enjoy the great outdoors while they’re there, experiencing all of the benefits to physical and mental wellbeing that comes from spending time in nature.
Nature is a key theme in the plans which include extensive planting of trees, vegetation and wildflowers, as well as fruit and vegetable beds. The old site, which was demolished in 2023, was predominantly tarmac and concrete.
The designs also intend for the centre to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with a low-carbon timber frame building that is highly efficient, minimising energy usage.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “The proposed plans show the fantastic potential of this facility, which we hope will support some of our most vulnerable residents by ensuring they and their families have a purpose-built environment that meets their needs.”
Last year, the Council committed an additional £2.3 million to the project due to an increase in building costs since the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the total budget to £12.8 million.
The application has been formally submitted to the planning authority. See the full application here.