Archived decisions

HIGHFIELD HOUSE, BISHOPSTOKE

1. The Executive Member was pleased to recommend the design project appraisal for Highfield House, Bishopstoke.

2. Highfield House is a residential respite unit that provides care for adults with a learning disability. The service is accommodated in a two-storey Victorian building located in Church Road, Bishopstoke and currently offers respite care for up to four adults.

3. Funding has been made available from the National Health Service (NHS) and Learning Disability Development Fund (LDDF), as a result of the proposed closure of Bishopstoke House, for a scheme to extend the existing service at Highfield House to provide facilities for those who may also have a physical disability as well as a learning disability, whilst increasing the available places from four to five. Financial contributions from the Adult Services 2005/06 Capital Programme and the Policy and Resources 2005/06 Capital Repairs budget have been added to the external funding to enable a scheme with an estimated value of £431,000, excluding fees.

4. It is proposed to construct a new extension to the existing building and undertake internal alterations and remodelling of the existing Victorian building, to include the installation of a new fire detection sprinkler system. The new extension will be of some 81sqm and will consist of a single storey building with a one and a half height glazed lobby link to the existing Victorian building.

5. The proposed new single storey extension will provide a new main entrance (with security controlled doors), reception, living area, kitchen / dining room. The ground floor of the existing building will be reorganised to provide two bedrooms (one with en suite), bathroom, staff bedroom and store. The first floor of the building will be redecorated throughout, to include new floor coverings and new ceilings in association with the installation of the fire sprinkler system and will provide three bedrooms, a bathroom and utility room.

6. The scheme will also provide a drop-off area to the front (west) elevation of the building on Church Road. The site does not currently offer car parking facilities and in order that visitors can be safely dropped off and picked up it is proposed to provide a designated area for this purpose. Landscaping to the west elevation will include new paving and planting to define the new entrance and generally enhance the approach to the building.

7. This supports Aims 1 and 5 of the Corporate Strategy by providing new and improved specialist accommodation at this residential respite care unit which will have an immediate benefit for service users and the local community and all users of the new facility will benefit.

PATRICIA BANKS

Executive Member for Adult Social Care

4IR050406