Support and Connections Oakham submits new plans for adult day centre

A town building could be used as a day centre for adults, if new plans are approved.

Support and Connections Oakham, which provides support for adults with disabilities, has submitted a planning application to use part of Unit 3D of Tungsten Park in Panniers Way, Oakham as a day centre.

If approved by Rutland County Council, the warehouse would be transformed into a workshop and store.

This would be used as part of the business’ community interest company Growing Community, which provides a gardening service, café, woodwork and craft products, and allows the individuals to gain practical work experience and receive payment for their hard work.

The group also provides a can crushing service to the Air Ambulance which would take place on the site.

In a statement to support the application, Support and Connections says: “The proposed change of use will have a negligible impact upon the employment provision and will provide opportunities to individuals with disabilities to learn skills, and to undertake work-based activities in a safe environment.”

The workshop would be manned by four staff members and would initially accommodate 10 service users with options to increase up to 20.

There would also be accessible toilets and a kitchenette, and an enclosed lobby would be created.

A similar application for a day centre for disabled adults and conductive education provision for children at the same site was refused by Rutland County Council in July due to loss of the employment use and not being suitable for intended use.

The revised proposal has removed the education element of the services.

Mowbray Interiors, which trades under the name Mowbray Workspace Solutions, has its head office at Unit 3D and will remain at the site.