PLANS for two “much-needed” respite centres for children and adults have won the unanimous approval of councillors.
The two new centres will be built in Pontllanfraith, on part of the old comprehensive school site.
When completed, the respite centres will offer breaks to family carers by providing short-term support for the person they look after, giving them time to rest.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee heard the new centres will reduce the reliance on external placements and cut waiting times for families.
Up to eight adults can stay at one of the centres at any one time, and the children’s centre will have a further six accommodation places.
Case officer Elizabeth Rowley said each centre will also have its own private outdoor space, “providing therapeutic and sensory areas to each intended occupier”.
She said no objections had been received during a recent consultation period, and called the proposals “sustainable” and “high-quality”.
Ms Rowley said the centres will meet “a clear and growing need within the county borough, and represents a significant investment in local care provision”.
“It will increase local respite care capacity, reducing reliance on external placements,” she added. “It will help reduce waiting times for carers and families within the county borough.”
There was cross-party support for the plans during the committee’s discussion, and chairman Cllr Roy Saralis said he believed the new centres are “certainly going to be welcomed by those families” who care for loved ones.
Pontllanfraith ward councillor Pat Cook told colleagues she had first-hand experience of being a carer, and said it was “often difficult to find available respite… whenever I needed a break”.
She called the project “a much-needed facility for adults and children”.
Following the committee’s decision to grant planning permission, Cllr Cook and her Pontllanfraith ward colleagues, Cllr Mike Adams and Cllr Colin Gordon, said they welcomed the proposals.
“This respite centre will provide a much-needed facility for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities,” they said. “We were extremely encouraged by the positive response received during the pre-application consultation.
“No objections were raised during the pre-application – the residents of Pontllanfraith are passionate about this facility and it is our duty to provide this valued provision.
“With the green light, this project will play an essential role in promoting independence, supporting family resilience, and helping carers to continue in their caring roles.”
