New supported living properties could soon be built at the site of a former Huddersfield care home, if plans get the go-ahead.
Sitting off Hurst Knowle in Almondbury, the Homestead, which was formerly a care home for the elderly, was auctioned off by Kirklees Council last year in a bid to raise some funds. The brownfield site is now vacant and has fallen into disrepair and has been the subject of anti-social behaviour, documents explain.
Now, a planning application seeking permission to demolish the property and construct a new development in its place is awaiting a decision from the local authority. Back in 2022, the site had planning permission for a dementia care facility but this was never acted upon.
Under the latest plans, which have been submitted by Highstone Building Services, 28 supported living homes would be provided including 20 apartments and eight bungalows. The development has been designed in partnership with Kirklees Council’s Learning Disability Commissioning team,
All of the properties would be one bedroom and the bungalows would benefit from a private garden and parking areas. The apartments would have access to shared outdoor space.
The site’s design focuses on some key points including enhancing the streetscape, promoting sustainability and encouraging community living. Among its planned features are those supporting energy efficiency including EV charging points and high-performance insulation, as well as communal spaces.
A supporting document on behalf of the applicant explains: “The design and appearance of the building has evolved to create a modern development with a sense of community and place. Using local materials and labour to enhance a piece of otherwise neglected land.
“The development proposals will ensure the sustained future use of a currently vacant piece of brownfield land which has the potential to provide specialist [accommodation], accommodating people with learning and physical disabilities.”
The plans feed into Kirklees Council’s Specialist Accommodation Strategy which seeks to build sustainable, strong homes, providing a better quality of life for residents living within them.
A target date for a decision to be made on the plans by Kirklees Council has been set for 27 October, 2025.
