Formal planning bid lodged for new respite centres

Proposals for new respite centres for children and adults in Caerphilly County Borough have moved a step closer, after the council submitted a formal planning application.

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

“If given the green light, this project would deliver a significant investment in the wellbeing of children, adults and families across Caerphilly,” a council spokesperson said.

The centres – one for children aged between five and 18, and the other for adults – have been earmarked for part of the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School site.

The council called the location “modern, flexible and accessible” and said it had been designed “to meet the evolving needs of service users – both now and in the future”.

According to planning documents, the local authority “carefully considered” the possibility of refurbishing its current respite facilities but found that option was “insufficient to meet the long-term needs” of the service’s users.

If built, the new centres will “due to increased bed occupancy, exceed the level of provision currently available”.

It will also “offer state of the art amenities, better accessibility, and a more comfortable environment for individuals and staff alike,” said the council in a design statement.

Each centre will be two storeys and be complemented by gardens – including a play area for younger visitors.

The council recently held a pre-planning consultation period to gather initial feedback on the respite centre plans, which it will now formalise by going through the full planning process.

The application is currently out for consultation, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 26/0292/LA.

The former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive site has largely been demolished following the school’s closure.

Part of the wider site is already being redeveloped to create a Centre for Skills and Learning for pupils who require additional support, and its range of leisure activities will also be available to the community outside of school hours.

Earlier this year, the council’s education committee heard the Centre for Skills and Learning is expected to open in September.