Reassurance provided over plans for extra care facility in Buckley

Flintshire Council has provided reassurance over plans to build an extra care facility with up to 90 beds in Buckley.

It follows false rumours on social media that the development, which aims to meet the needs of people over the age of 55, could be used to house ex-prisoners.

A planning application was recently submitted by Haigh Developments Ltd, which is working in partnership with the local authority to create the building on land off Precinct Way.

The council’s chief officer for social services described comments posted regarding the proposals on Facebook this weekend as ‘grossly irresponsible’.

He said: “The council supports the development of extra care schemes as an extremely popular and successful service that supports older and disabled people.

“The current schemes at Llys Eleanor, Shotton, Llys Jasmine, Mold and Llys Raddington Flint are immensely popular with local residents and with the local community.

“The council is also currently working with a partner for the welcome development of a fourth scheme in Holywell.

“If an extra care scheme in Buckley was approved for development, it would also support older and disabled people as the other Flintshire schemes currently do.

“The current speculation on social media regarding other user groups is completely without foundation and is grossly irresponsible.”

Work recently got underway on a development worth £8.5m in Holywell.

The 55-apartment facility called Plas yr Ywen will be based on the site of the former Ysgol Perth y Terfyn.

Meanwhile, the outlined scheme in Buckley would see 12 new bungalows created.

The council’s cabinet member for social services said she had been left ‘disgusted’ by the comments made in relation to the scheme.

Christine Jones (Lab) said: “Just for information and to stop the dreadful rumours, the proposed extra care facility in Buckley will be for people with care needs, but who want to retain their independence.

“These are wonderful homes and everyone who lives in one receives fabulous care and are really happy.

“When there are rumours like this it can affect the whole proposed scheme and the officers involved.”

Separate issues have been highlighted by the owners of the nearby Tivoli Venue, who believe noise levels from their events could impact on residents of the new building.

However, in a statement accompanying the plans, developers said it would benefit the community.

They said: “The proposed development would be designed to a high specification to attract residents that are committed to the community and will invest in the local area.

“It is believed that this development will help to improve the visual appearance of the site and provide work for local contractors and suppliers.

“Once complete the proposal will provide local employment opportunities to the local and wider community.”

The local authority is expected to make a decision on the plans by mid-March.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).