A purpose-built centre to provide activities and support for older residents in the Borough has received planning permission.
The decision made at the Plan-Sub Committee held on Thursday 19 March, grants approval to extend the Blenheim Children and Family Centre in Orpington, enhancing the use of the site while providing the space needed to deliver person-centred activities and support for older people.
Age Concern Orpington and District are supportive of the proposals and have helped shape the design based on what is needed to deliver such activities for older people and has been granted a new 10-year lease to operate at the new facilities. The Blenheim Centre is close to the Saxon Centre, from which Age Concern Orpington currently operates and will relocate to the new premises once completed.
Planning Committee Chairman, Councillor Peter Dean said, “The proposed development will fit well with the existing building at the Children and Family Centre in size, scale and design. Amenities such as space for parking have been considered in the application and the proposal responds sensitively to the existing characteristics and designation of the site.”
Councillor Diane Smith, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health said, “I am pleased that the Council has been able to agree this way forward with Age Concern Orpington and District and that they will be able to continue to support the excellent person-centred activities that many residents look forward to and really value. This purpose-built development will not only support the existing use of the site but will benefit the wider community too.”
Catherine Bentley, Chair of Trustees of Age Concern Orpington and District, said “Our charity, staff and volunteers, look forward to this modern, purpose designed facility which will enable us to continue to offer care and activities to older members of the local community: promoting social interaction; and supporting the wellbeing of individuals and their families, who enjoy and benefit from the services we provide.”
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