Former council depot site in Mirfield to become social housing

The former Kirklees Council depot in Mirfield (Picture Local Democracy Reporter)

The half-acre site at St Paul’s Road is earmarked for 13 affordable supported living apartments for adults with a social care need.

The depot, which is off the A644 Huddersfield Road, will be demolished and the area developed in partnership with the Dewsbury-based housing association Connect Housing.

The resulting complex will comprise a two-storey block of one- and two-bedroom flats plus staff facilities for any adult with a social care need, not just those with a learning disability.

The development will include gardens and parking. One of the flats would be for staff use.

A report to Kirklees Council’s decision-making Cabinet (Sept 1), which approved the scheme, said: “This development aims to be a direct alternative to residential care for particularly younger adults with a variety of social care needs who require on-site 24/7 staff providing care and support but want to maintain their independence.

“The close proximity of the development to the town centre, local amenities and open public spaces make it an ideal location for a supported living development.

“It will allow the council to move people currently living in expensive residential care accommodation to a supported living setting, which will be more appropriate for their needs.

“The scheme is expected to reduce care costs for the council and will free up places for other residents who need residential care.”

Speaking on behalf of local residents Clr Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) sought clarity on what constituted “a social care need”.

He said: “When it’s all-encompassing like that obviously residents living in the area are concerned about who they may be getting as neighbours.”

In response Clr Cathy Scott, the Cabinet portfolio holder for housing, conceded that the report didn’t detail what sort of individuals might be housed in the new complex.

She said: “Absolutely, people do want clarity. Quite a lot of scaremongering does tend to go out there on what kind of people are going to be taking up the tenancies.”