Anger over '˜unclear' care home proposal

Angry residents have voiced their concerns over plans to turn a former care home into a '˜house in multiple occupation'.
Ingwood Care Home, West Vale.Ingwood Care Home, West Vale.
Ingwood Care Home, West Vale.

The change of use application, submitted by Mr Brian Vincent, of Eldercare, concerns the former Ingwood Care Home building at Green Lane, West Vale.

Scores of comments have been left in objection to the proposals on Calderdale Council’s planning website, with residents concerned about the lack of detail surrounding the application.

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Some fear the proposals would be similar to a controversial 2013 application to turn the Old Brassworks, West Vale, into a 32-bedroom hostel for homeless people.

But Eldercare said no plans have been set in stone and residents views and comments will be taken into consideration.

One objector said: “I feel that until it is made clear what the status of the occupants of the property would be the application should be denied. The previous objections and rejection of the application to a hostel at The Old Brassworks indicates that this could be another way of putting a hostel for people with various addiction problems in the area.”

Another read: “Insufficient information is given for anyone to make a rational and focused appraisal and judgement on the suitability of the proposal.

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“There appears to be a complete lack of detail and even of transparency regarding the intended use. We, the community, are left to speculate on what type of HMO this may be both in the short and in the long term.”

Councillor Marilyn Greenwood (Lib Dem, Greetland and Stainland), said: “I managed to meet with Mr Vincent to discuss the concerns of local people - the concerns that Ingwood could be converted into a hostel.

“He assured me that he has no intention of opening a hostel for ex-offenders or for any other social services. He emphasised that the premises will be converted to private accommodation of a high standard,” added Councillor Greenwood.