Coldean gets £2 million grant – but is it all good news?
Sue
Harris (Coldean Resident’s Association Chair), Mike Weatherley, Kevin
Hamilton-Richards (local resident) outside Larchwood Resource Centre
In February this year, Brighton and Hove awarded £2
million for the development of Extra Care Housing.
Larchwood Resource Centre in Waldron Avenue, Coldean, Brighton, has been
identified by the city council as the most suitable site for this development.
The proposed scheme will provide 30 self-contained one bed flats and 7
two bedroom flat for mainly people who can no longer live independently.
Mike
Weatherley, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion, who met
with residents and staff at the recent Public Consultation meeting, said:
“You
would have thought getting a £2m grant would be good news. But not so for all
the residents of Coldean. And certainly not so for the families with elderly relatives
in Larchwood Resource Centre. The problem is that the grant has given the Centre
a lot more options than simply keeping it as it is now. Big plans have been
developed to tear down the building and then build 37 residential units. Some
day care services would remain, but the whole character of the existing use of
the building would change. Over a seven-day period 54 people use the day
services and no assurances have been given as to whether all 54 will still be
able to use Larchwood. What about
the 8 people who currently access respite care?
Will this vital service for very ill patients remain?
There are clearly many questions left unanswered of which the Coldean
Resident’s Association have been at the forefront of asking.
Sue Harris the association chair, has done a tremendous job in bringing
this matter to the attention of local residents and I support her in wanting to
get some questions answered. And I hope Brighton and Hove City Council to take
account of local views and ensure that the residents and users of Larchwood
Resource Centre are continue to receive the best possible care.
One of the
problems is that the funding is very specific to the type of development that
can be undertaken. I would like the Council to confirm that it is not possible
to find a way for the terms of reference on the funding to be altered slightly
so the ground floor could be enhanced and keep its current usage and the first
floor have the new units – a mixed development. I understand that this has not
be considered since the funding rules do not allow that combination.
I would also
like to know what arrangements there are for the existing residents and where
they will be relocated.”
At a full
council meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council meeting, Councillor Ken Norman
handed in a petition with 64 signatories against
the redevelopment of the Larchwood resource centre.
Mike concluded:
“This is a very unsettling time for Coldean, and my heart goes out to all the
residents effected. I hope very much the uncertainty will come to an end.”
Letter to Jane Macdonald at Brighton and Hove council: (Sent 29th July 2004)