Kirklees Together

A new specialist supported living development in Batley for people with learning disabilities and autism has now been completed.

Who is for?

The new development is part of the council’s big build ambitions to provide great places for people to call home. Choice Support, a national charity supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health needs, has developed the new homes in partnership with the council. The homes are located on the site of a former council care home, and NHS England awarded £1.8 million capital funding to support the delivery of this project.

What does it include?

The new development includes six single-storey self-contained bungalows, staff accommodation and training facilities. It offers individuals bespoke living environments, plus outdoor space and parking. The development provides innovative, high-quality housing which is designed to support individuals to live as independently as possible within the community.

Councillor Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing and Democracy said:

“I am delighted to see the completion of this innovative housing scheme in Batley.

Everyone deserves a great place to call home, and we are committed to making sure we provide homes that are fit for purpose and provide the support needed to keep tenants with learning disabilities safe, secure and independent for as long as possible.  Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen.”

The development provides housing for some of the most vulnerable people in the district. The new homes will help to improve their overall health and wellbeing and enable them to access and maintain a settled, safe, affordable, good quality home that supports people to live independent lives.

Philippa Hughes, Housing Senior Manager for the NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Learning Disability and Autism Programme in the North of England, said:

“We know how transformative the right home environment can be for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions. It is fantastic to see such an innovative housing solution being delivered through great partnership working between the local authority, North Kirklees CCG and Choice Support.”

Sarah Maguire, CEO at Choice Support said:

“Choice Support have faced many additional challenges to build Mayman Lane due to the pandemic but we are delighted that it is now time for the opening. We must not lose sight of the purpose of this project, which is for people who have been living for years in hospital to have their own homes, where they can feel safe and be with their family and friends.

I am immensely proud that Choice Support has designed and built homes that will offer opportunities for people to build new lives full of promise and hope.”