A specialist service is battling to open a home for adults with learning disabilities in a former family home after the council turned down initial plans.

Salhouse-based Allcare Community Support (ACS) was set up in 2014 and applied to Broadland District Council last year with change of use plans to turn Manor Farm in Wroxham Road, Salhouse, into a permanent base for six adults who are supported by the organisation.

Norwich Evening News: Manor Farm in Salhouse which Allcare Community Support, which has a base elsewhere in the village, wants to be used as permanent home for up to six adults with learning disabilities. Manor Farm in Salhouse which Allcare Community Support, which has a base elsewhere in the village, wants to be used as permanent home for up to six adults with learning disabilities. (Image: Allcare Community Support)

The plans were rejected on January 16 because the house - which would be called Emerald House - was not "within reasonable proximity of community facilities" and it would have a "significant adverse impact upon highway safety".

Council bosses also said insufficient information had been provided to demonstrate the proposal would not cause adverse impacts to the River Wensum or Broads.

Norwich Evening News: Stacey Mitchell, chief executive officer of Allcare Community Support, which helps adults with learning disabilities and specialises in supporting those on the autistic spectrumStacey Mitchell, chief executive officer of Allcare Community Support, which helps adults with learning disabilities and specialises in supporting those on the autistic spectrum (Image: Allcare Community Support)

But ACS chief executive Stacey Mitchell said the organisation was in good communication with the council over the plans adding it is vital the permanent home is open by this May.

She said the business supports over-18s and specialises in helping people on the autistic spectrum and those with behaviours of concern.

People living in Emerald House would have a minimum of one-to-one care and share a communal kitchen and living areas.

Ms Mitchell said: "The need for these types of places and demand is unbelievable. Our world is creating the best quality of life. We feel passionate about helping as many individuals as we can."

The CEO said there was risk people it supported could be sent out of county and there was a waiting list for its respite, residential care and independent living services, which includes HoneySuckle Lodge in Salhouse and LuLu's House in Mundesley.

Norwich Evening News: Stacey Mitchell, chief executive officer of Allcare Community Support, which helps adults with learning disabilities and specialises in supporting those on the autistic spectrumStacey Mitchell, chief executive officer of Allcare Community Support, which helps adults with learning disabilities and specialises in supporting those on the autistic spectrum (Image: Allcare Community Support)

ACS has 55 members under its care. 

Ms Mitchell added Emerald House was a good location because a busy urban spot was not appropriate for people they looked after, its proposal to use the quieter Dobbs Lane rather than A1151 would reduce traffic fears.

She said the family who previously lived in the house approached ACS about the organisation using it and it would be rented from the family on a long-term basis if plans are approved.