Residents raise drug and crime fears over disabled housing plans
One objector said they would oppose the buildings being used by “people on benefits who do not work”
Residents have raised concerns about drugs, crime and anti-social behaviour over plans for 12 apartments for adults with disabilities in Treeton.
Squirrel Wood Properties has applied to convert four buildings at Rother Heights, off Rother Crescent, into self-contained one-bedroom flats for adults with disabilities and other support needs.
The site was built as sheltered accommodation and already has permission to provide residential care for people with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries or physical disabilities.
However, the latest plans would replace the shared facilities with individual flats, allowing residents to live more independently while receiving support.
One objector said they would oppose the buildings being used by “people on benefits who do not work” or people who misuse substances, although neither use is proposed in the application.
Another objector said the scheme could become “an unmitigated disaster for all concerned” unless residents were given more information about who would live there, the support they would receive and how any crises or anti-social behaviour would be managed.
Treeton Parish Council said it supported the principle of accommodation for disabled people but believed the application left “fundamental questions unanswered”.
It said there was too little detail about the likely mix of residents, how they would be selected and who would decide whether prospective tenants were suited to living alongside one another.
Councillors also asked for clarification about staffing levels, response times and emergency procedures.
Planning documents state the homes would be reserved for people with disabilities identified by Rotherham Council as suitable for this type of accommodation.
The development would be managed around the clock by registered social landlord IKE Supported Housing, with care provided by Ivolve Care & Support.
Each resident would receive personalised support intended to help them maintain their tenancy, manage everyday tasks and become more independent over time. Each tenant would have their own home and support plan, with staff based centrally across the development.
The scheme is being progressed with the support of the council’s adult social care team to meet what the applicant describes as an “acute identified local need”.
Council transport and environmental health officers raised no objections during pre-application discussions, noting that Rother Heights was already used for residential care.
Rotherham Council has yet to decide the application.