Watford care home change approved (From Watford Observer)

Watford care home change approved

11:10am Friday 23rd July 2010 in

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A disused old people's home in Watford will be reopened as a care home for adults with mental health problems.

Residents living close to Park Lodge, in Park Avenue, had claimed this use of the empty nine-room detached house would lead to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.

But members of Watford Borough Council's development control committee last night (Thursday) could find no legitimate planning reason why the change of use from the care of elderly people to adults with mental health and/or mild learning disabilities should not be permitted.

Geoff Hunter spoke against the application “representing the residents of Park Avenue, Lynbury Court, Mildred Avenue and the Littlebury Residents' Association”.

He said: “Young adults with mental health and/or learning difficulties may well be involved with drug, alcohol or associated problems and pose a different set of challenges to a community than old age pensioners living quietly with care to suit their needs.”

Mr Hunter was backed by Vicarage ward councillor Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, who said the location was unsuitable for a care home such as this.

He said: “I accept people need to be put back into society and we cannot just lock them up in hospitals but the issue here is is this the right location for these people? This will increase the problems in the area. These people need to live in society but not in a concentrated area.”

However, Mohammed Ali Dookhun, the applicant who runs another home in Westland Road, moved to reassure the public gallery that people with drug or alcohol problems would not be typical residents.

He said: “We are not allowed to take these types of clients because they need to be in a more secure environment. We provide a homely environment.

“Let me assure you that these people will never be admitted to our home. We make sure staff are there to [help] prepare them for more independent living. I hope you will give us the chance to give these people a new life.”

During the debate, despite claims the change of use would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, Councillor Iain Sharpe said he could not see a legitimate planning reason to refuse the application.

He said: “It would be very easy to be Mr Popular and refuse it but that would be the coward's way out because I would do that knowing we would lose the appeal. It would just be me trying to kid you along when I know what the outcome would be.”

Councillor Keith Crout said the application should be provided to show the town is “serious about dealing with mental health”.

He said: “If we're serious about dealing with issues of mental health and drug addiction, such homes as this are very necessary.

“When you're in this type of establishment, you're in care. More than likely, you're on drugs and the problems you're encountering are dealt with. The other option is to go back to the huge Victorian monstrosities like Leavesden Hospital. I welcome this application.”