Rutland County Council’s planning committee has approved permission for a supported living scheme comprising seven homes aimed at adults with autism and profound and multiple learning disabilities, together with outline consent for up to 22 additional houses on adjoining land.
Proposal driven by a family's experience
The applicant, Mr M Parkinson, told councillors his application had been shaped by his own experience as a parent to a son, Sam, who has multiple learning difficulties. He described long-term planning to secure appropriate accommodation and support for Sam when he is no longer able to provide full-time care.
“Like many people with complex needs, Sam depends on routine, familiar carers and staying close to his family,”
Mr Parkinson added that Sam “thrives in calm and safe surroundings” and that other families face similar challenges as demand for specialist housing increases.
Design and site details
The approved scheme proposes three apartment buildings with an ancillary office and laundry building sited to the north‑west of the development area. The largest block includes three apartments alongside communal facilities such as a kitchen and dining area, a sensory room and shared living space. The smaller blocks will provide additional accommodation for residents and full‑time staff.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Immediate homes approved | 7 supported living homes |
| Outline permission | Up to 22 additional houses |
| Location | Field adjacent to Luffenham Road, Ketton (next to Park Farm Stud) |
Local questions over allocation and neighbours' concerns
Councillor Tim Smith, who holds the council portfolio for children, families and communities, asked whether occupancy would be prioritised for people already living in Rutland. Mr Parkinson indicated that residents would be selected within criteria agreed with adult social services and expected that being current Rutland residents would be a leading consideration.
The chosen site lies alongside Luffenham Road in Ketton, next to Park Farm Stud. The stud's owner, Lynda Humber, raised objections to the broader plans for 22 dwellings on the adjacent field during the planning discussion.
What this means locally
- New specialist accommodation will increase local capacity for adults with autism and complex learning disabilities.
- Allocation of places is expected to involve adult social services and may prioritise residents of Rutland.
- Outline consent for further homes indicates potential for larger development on neighbouring land, which has already attracted objections from immediate neighbours.
Anyone wishing to view planning documents or follow applications in the area can consult the council’s Public Notice Portal for further details and updates on implementation or reserved matters related to the outline permission.
