Council’s respite centre plans move a step closer

Plans for a “much-needed” respite centre for adults and children have moved a step closer, after no objections were made during a consultation.

The council is planning to build the centre on the site of the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School.

Respite services offer breaks to family carers by providing short-term support for the person they look after, giving them time to rest.

The proposed development includes a new purpose-built, six-bed respite facility for children aged 5 to 18, alongside a new eight-bed adult respite facility for people aged 18 and over.

The councils aid the “modern, flexible and accessible” site is “designed to meet the evolving needs of service users both now and in the future”.

The pre-application consultation has now officially closed, and the local authority now plans to submit a full planning application to itself.

Council leader Jamie Pritchard said: “This respite centre will provide a much-needed facility for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities.

“I am extremely encouraged by the positive response received during the pre-application consultation with no objections raised. We believe passionately that it is our moral duty to provide this valued provision and this demonstrates strong support for the proposal within the community.”

Cllr Elaine Forehead, the council’s cabinet member for social care, described the centre as a “really important investment in the wellbeing of children, adults and families across Caerphilly”.

She said: “Respite plays a vital role in supporting independence, maintaining family resilience and ensuring carers are able to continue in their caring roles”.