A proposal for a new supported living accommodation for adults with highly complex needs was put to the full council meeting on Thursday 24 September 2020.
Find out more about what's being proposed. Have a question? Take a look at the FAQs on this page.
Please note that the project’s long-term vision for the whole site is being developed between that meeting and the pre-planning stage, and the ‘What's being proposed’ link above reflects the updated vision.
Quote from a parent whose child is in a supported living scheme:
“I have worked with the Shropshire Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) team for around two years now to support my daughter to identify options for adult life. Prior to this our experience of accessing adult social care was a little disjointed because, as a family, we knew that we needed support, but we didn’t know how this could look. The support from the Adult Team focused most specifically on what we needed at that time and, in hindsight, was too reactive. When my daughter was moved across to the Preparing for Adulthood team, the approach was completely different – proactive with consideration to the longer-term future, which ensured that the advice they offered resonated with us and effectively met our needs without us having to figure out for ourselves what we needed.
The team’s person-centred approach to planning ensured that our daughter’s needs and aspirations were at the centre of all discussions. The PFA team approach to putting the plan in place, from matching a group of young people to the destination of a Supported Living placement, was structured and open. This ensured a successful and smooth transition for my daughter, from living at home to living with appropriate support with a group of her peers.
The difference that this has made to our daughter's life is phenomenal. We have watched her (from social distance as she transitioned a week before the first lockdown!) develop into a confident and self-assured young adult who is now living her best life.
Any regrets? – Only that I wish I had involved social care when she was much younger, instead of being fearful of external input in case I was getting it all wrong. Support earlier on in my daughter's life would, most definitely, have had only the most positive impact for her and also her siblings.”
Latest updates
Update - September 2021
Update - January 2021
We're actively working to progress this development. Property Services Group (PSG) are carrying out feasibility testing/ground investigations on the two sites discussed and the team have been working to pull together a long-term plan and overall site vision for the site as a whole. We're hoping to have the vision drawn up within the next couple of months, which will then frame part of the planning application.
Once complete, we'll share that planning vision with the parish council and local residents at a dedicated Microsoft Teams meeting, as requested by the parish council. The planning application will be submitted after this meeting to allow us time to process any further feedback. Therefore, we anticipate the planning applications for the house renovation and separate apartment build will be submitted in spring as two separate applications, but submitted at the same time.
Update - January 2023
Planning permission has now been granted for this development, and we're now at the stage of creating the detailed specifications so that we can go out to tender for the proposed build
FAQS
Who is the housing for?
Some of the most vulnerable and highly complex people the council supports. That includes individuals with a learning disability, autism, mental health condition or those with multiple diagnoses who currently have to live out of Shropshire away from their families.
How many apartments will be built?
Eight apartments in total.
Why was the Greenacres Farm location chosen?
The project is linked to an existing day service that provides a range of facilities, training in agriculture and horticulture for adults with learning disabilities. It is also a preferred location as it is rural, and therefore a better location to support vulnerable individuals with complex needs.
What are you planning to do with the empty house at Greenacres?
It will be converted to incorporate a variety of uses to suit the needs of individuals accessing Greenacres farm, along with the local community.
How much will the project cost?
The cost of the development is approximately £3.125m from the capital budget.
When will the project be completed?
If planning is approved, the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2022.
Can the Greenacres Day Service staff answer questions about the project?
Can service users using Greenacres Farm Day Services be considered for the housing?
Currently Adult Social Care have had to prioritise individuals who currently live out of county, and will bring them back into Shropshire to be nearer their family and friends.
Is there such a specialist accommodation currently available in Shropshire?
No. We identified a need and recognised there was a shortage of suitable accommodation in Shropshire. That is why we wanted to provide good quality, sustainable housing of the right size, type and tenure of affordable housing. Tenants will pay social rent.
When you describe PassivHaus design, what does this actually mean?
PassivHaus are a bit different to the normal brick-built conventional housing. The buildings are pre-fabricated, constructed and brought onto site from a factory. The units will be placed on a concrete foundation by a crane and then hooked up to utilities. They are super-efficient homes, are eco-friendly and have much lower running costs.
How will the existing empty Greenacres House support tenants identified for the apartments?
The house, which is in close proximity to the apartments, will be converted into a more functional usable space. It will incorporate a central space that will be used for a variety of uses that will suit the residents living in the apartments, in addition to those accessing the day service and the local community, and will include cooking, education and training, movie nights and exercise and fitness sessions.
How will you create savings on care packages?
Rather than have eight people in different locations throughout the country, care hours will be reduced through shared carers as individuals will be living in the same property, although they will have their own individual apartments. This will provide them with a range of opportunities and benefits that will promote independent living, but also benefit the wider community. It will also reduce the need for the most expensive out-of-county packages.
What has the design been based on?
It has been based on a collection of best practice from various other supported living schemes.
Will I have the opportunity to find out more about the development and comment?
Yes of course. You will have various opportunities to do this:
- Baschurch Parish Council meeting on 5 October 2020, 7pm
- Email: greenacresfarmsupportedlivingaccommodation@shropshire.gov.uk
- As part of the planning process
- There will be wider local engagement events in the future – dates and times to be confirmed.
Where can I find more information about Greenacres?