A former Scunthorpe mental health centre that was controversially closed will now be demolished.
North Lincolnshire Council own Sandfield House, in Ashby High Street. In September 2017, they gave four months’ notice to Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust (RDaSH) to vacate the building.
It was stated at the time the council wanted to relocate it to provide easier access for patients, and the Trust moved it back then to Market Hill, Scunthorpe. Despite this, a demonstration was held by members of the public opposed to its closure and a petition organised.
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The building has been empty since 2018 and now the council has decided to demolish it and seek planning permission for residential housing, suited for older residents. Scunthorpe Towns Fund cash will fund the transformation.
“Residents across North Lincolnshire have received significant sums of government cash to develop new homes, new experiences and to enable businesses to create new jobs,” said North Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham. “We’re looking to use some of the Towns Fund cash – just one part of the money Government has delivered to back the plans for growth – to create a site which will available for the development of new homes for older people.
“In the heart of Ashby, the homes will be close to local amenities, shops, cafes and other businesses. Clearly there’s still some process to go through and all matters will be subject to planning but we’re trying to do things a little different on high streets.”
When a mental health centre, Sandfield House was a recovery college for patients with mental health problems, and employed about 40 staff.
The decision record for Sandfield House published earlier this month details that outbuildings and the bungalow will also be demolished. An outline planning application will be made for residential development. The council are also to market 344 Ashby Road for commercial and/or residential use.
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Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
