The boss of a specialist support service for adults with learning disabilities is hopeful its newest Norfolk centre will be open by May after winning a planning battle.

Allcare Community Support (ACS) was set up in 2014 and applied to Broadland District Council last year with change-of-use plans to turn Manor Farm in Wroxham Road, Salhouse, into a permanent base for six adults.

Norwich Evening News: Manor Farm in Salhouse which Allcare Community Support, which has a base elsewhere in the village, will be used as permanent home for up to six adults with learning disabilitiesManor Farm in Salhouse which Allcare Community Support, which has a base elsewhere in the village, will be used as permanent home for up to six adults with learning disabilities (Image: Newsquest)

The plans to convert the former seven-bedroom home into six apartments with communal living facilities were turned down by Broadland because it was not "within reasonable proximity of community facilities" and it would have a "significant adverse impact upon highway safety".

But officers have reversed their decision, which will allow ACS to open Emerald House after discussions with management.

ACS chief executive Stacey Mitchell, 39, who has worked in the care sector since she was 16, said: "It is all systems go. We have already had three requests for referrals."

The company specialises in helping people on the autistic spectrum and those with behaviours of concern, employs 55 staff and offers respite, residential care and independent living services at its HoneySuckle Lodge in Salhouse and LuLu's House in Mundesley.

Norwich Evening News: Stacey Mitchell, chief executive officer of Allcare Community Support, which helps adults with learning disabilities and specialises in supporting those on the autistic spectrum.Stacey Mitchell, chief executive officer of Allcare Community Support, which helps adults with learning disabilities and specialises in supporting those on the autistic spectrum. (Image: Allcare Community Support)

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Miss Mitchell added: "Our centres offer people the high-quality life they deserve."

She added that the new base would be accessed through Dobbs Lane and described the two acres surrounding Emerald House as idyllic.

Internal changes could cost ACS £60,000 and everyone living in Emerald House would receive at least one-to-one care from trained staff 24/7.

Miss Mitchell, from Thorpe End, said work was needed by health and care professionals to mentor providers who helped adults with learning disabilities.

She added that despite her company being able to recruit staff, the industry as a whole was struggling because of negative publicity, despite it being a skilled profession.