Residents unhappy about proposed residential care facility for Castleton Hotel

Residents in Castleton are unhappy about plans that have been put in to Rochdale Council to change the Castleton Hotel into a residential care facility for 16-18 year olds.

Residents in the area have submitted a number of objections to the plans, which are available on the council website.

One resident who contacted Rochdale Online and did not want to be named, said: “People are up in arms at the top end of Castleton. We haven’t been told exactly what is going on and we haven’t received any information about it.”

Other objections state: “The Castleton Hotel is next to a park and near elderly residential flats. It is not an appropriate use and I feel it would not benefit the residents and children of Chesham Avenue as there is only one park for children to play in and this would make it a no go area for children to play unaccompanied in safety.”

“I live near the Castleton Hotel and have not been informed what the building is being used for. We are not happy if it is a care facility for young adults with problems. The area has enough problems and the area doesn’t need any more problems,” says another objection.

Some residents are concerned that they “don’t know enough” about the facility and want to see “more information” before supporting the plans.

It is understood that the facility would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and would help young people transition from the care system to independence.

The plans were submitted to Rochdale Council at the end of May and have been submitted by Edward and Julie Thompson who currently run Oaklands House on Rochdale Road, Milnrow. Oaklands House is a residential home for people who are diagnosed with mental health problems and are over the age of 18. The home provides 24 hour care and has a wide range of equipment and facilities.

Mr and Mrs Thompson issued a statement regarding the plans which said: “The Keys – Castleton will provide residential services which are designed for young people from 16 to 18, around the crucial period of transition from the care system to independence. The transitional period of support is up to two years with any young person.

“Our service aims to support a young person in to independence with positive outcomes by:

• Securing and sustaining constructive education. 
• Training or employment. 
• Establishing and maintaining supportive relationships. 
• Finding a suitable and sustainable place to live

“Without support, care leavers are at risk of homelessness, mental health problems, substance misuse and entering the criminal justice system.

“The service will have a dedicated staff team who will be onsite at all times (24/7) to ensure that the young people are supervised with their daily living support. The service also has a dedicated on call manager. The Keys will provide a residential setting for up to 10 young people living at The Castleton Hotel and will provide support and accommodation for care leavers. This support includes the daily routine of a young person with independent living skills and the support to access either education or employment.

“The Keys- Castleton is offering advice, information and assistance on leaving care and a benchmarking service to local authorities. The service aims to support a young person to develop the skills to independence.

“Our aims are to see all care leavers able to achieve their full potential and aspirations and to achieve this we want to support and work alongside all those who are involved in helping care leavers, maintain and develop expertise in providing support, the design and commissioning of services; service delivery and practice; and the willingness of all communities to support and provide opportunities to young people leaving care. We will be working in collaboration with Redwood School and Hopwood Hall College in offering certificated courses to our service users.

“The Keys – Castleton will continue to develop a range of innovative projects that will help and enable us to fulfil our vision and values and will not be offering any support/services with regards to drug/alcohol rehabilitation programmes. This will not mean some of our service users may have been through programmes of this nature.”

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Once the Local Planning Authority receives a planning application of this type, the appropriate neighbouring properties are notified by letter. In this case, a notice has also been posted at the site. The planning department then consults with any relevant local organisations before making a recommendation. This consultation period runs for a minimum of 21 days, during which time people can comment on the application. The current consultation period for this application ends on 8 July. Anyone who would like to comment on it should visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/planning and search for the application using the reference number 14/00663/FUL.”

Residents who would like to discuss the plans further are being invited to the Castleton Hotel on Friday 20 June between 1.00pm and 3.00pm and Monday 23 June between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.