House in Mousehold Lane, Sprowston, to be supported home

New supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems is going to be created on the edge of the city. 

A property in Sprowston's Mousehold Lane will provide housing for up to six people who will be supported by care staff.

Broadland District Council approved plans for the two-storey building to be converted into supported housing earlier this month.

Steve Morphew, Labour county councillor for the Catton Grove ward, has welcomed the decision made by the council's planning committee.

He said: "It would be a good asset and I am fully in favour of it.

"I certainly do not have any problems with it in principle." 

Councillor Steve Morphew (Image: Denise Bradley)

The building - which is known as Heath Lodge - comes with car parking at the front of the property.

The six people being cared for would be able to experience living on their own at an annex at the property.

But they will be able to make use of communal rooms in the main house as well.

The application for the plans said: "There is sufficient on-site parking at the property to meet the needs of staff who would take occupants on and off the site for shopping, medical, educational and personal reasons.

"It is submitted that the creation of modest trips per day - almost exclusively outside of busy times - would not result in material harm to the locality, and indeed would not be noticeable to surrounding neighbours." 

Care will be provided on a shift pattern by staff who will not live at the property as there are no bedrooms available for them.

Planning papers for the application state: "There will be continuity of care and clear rotas, allowing the young adults to garner close relationships with their carers."

It goes on to say that the supported accommodation will not create any more noise than would be expected of a regular domestic household.

The property has previously been used as a guest house and it is located near the junction of Plaford Road.

Separate extensions to the rear of the building were approved by the council in March 2003 and January 2005.