Didcot: New plans would demolish part of 1980’s hospital

The application by Choice Support proposes to build the two supported living dwellings in place of a vacant section of the Ridgeway Day Hospital on Wantage Road.

The day hospital, which is adjacent to Didcot Community Hospital, provides mental health services for Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare NHS Trust.

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The existing building was built sometime in the 1980’s.

The vacant northern portion of the hospital, which is no longer considered suitable for use, was once used for respite and emergency crisis living for vulnerable people.

The new proposal would continue this but in updated facilities – described as ‘more appropriately designed, safe, modern units’ by planning agents RDA Consulting Architects in its planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority.

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The two proposed units, which would both be one-story with shallow pitched roofs, would feature rounded internal corners for safety purposes.

They would also have a unit for support staff – potentially accommodating up to four people – as well as overnight accommodation fit for one staff member.

Shared car parking provision for four cars is proposed with one disabled space.

RDA Consulting Architects said: “The proposed dwellings aim to provide innovative, highquality housing designed to enable these individuals to live as independently as possible within the community, meeting local and national strategic adult social care targets.”