Plans for a new care facility to support adults with learning disabilities and complex needs have been given the go ahead.

The new development will transform a disused depot on Outland Road, which was previously used by Plymouth City Council’s Parks department, into a modern and accessible building.

The facility will offer both daytime care, currently on offer at The Vine in Whitleigh, and short respite breaks or emergency care, currently provided at Colwill Lodge in Estover. Up to 14 adults can be accommodated overnight in the new location, which will include seven en-suite bedrooms and seven self-contained flats.

A wide range of communal spaces will give customers the chance to enjoy a range of activities during their break or daytime visit. This includes sensory rooms, activity rooms for arts and crafts including pottery, a large communal dining room for mealtimes and relaxing spaces like a TV room.

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Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: "W'’re committed to making Plymouth a great place for all our residents to grow up and grow old in, so it’s brilliant to be one step closer to delivering this fantastic new facility. It will enable us to offer better support to adults with learning disabilities, and their families, ensuring they receive help and support in a purpose-built environment that meets their needs."

Parents and carers of adults currently using the provision at The Vine and Colwill Lodge have expressed their support for the scheme and are particularly pleased with the new central location. The Outland Road site is more easily accessible by bus and close to other facilities, and its proximity to Central Park will make it easier for people using the service to spend time in nature. One parent said they were ‘over the moon’ that the development is happening.

The facility will also be home to a Changing Places toilet which will be open to anyone who needs it. Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets which contain equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers to meet the needs of people with disabilities.