A PROPERTY in Bridgwater will become a residential home for people with learning difficulties, despite concerns about parking and the care provider that will operate it.

The house at 1 Nicholls Close, near Bridgwater Cricket Club, is currently being used as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

Under plans agreed by Sedgemoor District Council, the house will now be turned into a permanent home for four people with learning disabilities, with a manager living on-site.

The facilities will be run by Sedgemoor Serenity Services, which has been registered at the same address since September 2018.

The council’s development committee met in Bridgwater on Tuesday morning (March 19) to discuss the proposals.

Local residents Christopher Jamieson spoke against the plans, claiming the property was subject to a covenant which meant it could not be used for business purposes.

He added: “I consider it too small for the amount of people who will be living there. Its proximity to St Joseph’s School and the resulting traffic issues should be taken into consideration.”

Councillor Gill Slocombe, portfolio holder for health and well-being, said during the public sessions that the parking situation was “inadequate” and “will cause problems to both residents and the occupiers of the home.”

She also questioned the care company’s credentials, saying: “Residents have asked about statements on Companies House which have really caused concern.

“I’d like confirmation that Somerset County Council has carried out due diligence and that this will be in the best interests of these people.”

Paul Lillycrop, the applicant’s agent, spoke to the committee about his neighbour with autism and his cousin with epilepsy, claiming the property would provide the ideal service for people with that level of need.

He said: “Right now, any type of family structure could occupy the problem, including parents with children with learning difficulties.

“The type of facility being proposed here is exactly what my cousin or my neighbour would need. Without this they would need to live in a larger institution.

“There will only be one vehicle regularly at the property – the manager’s. If the residents needed transportation, this would be provided by the manager with his vehicle.”

Councillor Paul Herbert said residents should write to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if they had concerns about the company’s performance.

He said: “There are families with people who have disabilities, and they could quite happily live there and we wouldn’t have any control over that at all.

“I would suggest if there is a concern about the capacity of Sedgemoor Serenity Service, those people can easily write to the CQC and express those concerns, providing evidence for them.

“In general I feel that this is a better use [of the property]. It’s trying to address a problem that we have in Bridgwater.

“The traffic issue isn’t a concern, so it comes down to the efficiency of the care provider. It’s up to the public to complain if they are not pulling their weight.”

The committee voted unanimously to approve the change of use.

 Following the decision, Ms Slocombe said she supported the county council’s ‘pathways to independence’ policy, which seeks to ensure people with additional needs can live as independently as possible and feel an active part of their local communities.

She added: “No doubt time will tell and we sincerely hope that harmony can return to this location and the care that is required is readily available.

“It was important to express the concerns from our local residents who we will continue to represent.”