Lincoln learning disabled housing development approved

Planning permission has been granted for a Lincoln residential development for people with learning difficulties.

The accommodation will replace the two storey building on Skellingthorpe Road known locally as Sampson House, which will be demolished.

National learning disabled support charity Linkage Community Trust put in the bid to redesign the site, and outline planning permission was granted in May 2013.

The mixed residential development would consist of 12 one bedroom apartments, a single one bedroom staff unit, six two bedroom houses and two three bedroom houses.

Sampson House Development Location Plan. File: CLC

Linkage intend to redevelop the site to provide residents with the opportunity to better quality, independent living accommodation alongside on-site support services.

Residents will also have the opportunity to purchase a shared ownership property via a housing association, giving them the chance to invest in a life long home.

The redevelopment of Sampson House links with the work being undertaken on the restoration of Boultham Park by Linkage, in partnership with the city of Lincoln Council, through a £2.7 million grant from the Heritage Lottery fund.

File: CLC

File: CLC

Concerns for the layout in relation to the Birchwood Trunk Sewer, which runs through the site, were taken into consideration by the City Council.

Local objections also raised issues including the aesthetic impact of the dwellings and the impact of surface water and flooding.

The drainage board was consulted and raised no objection to the scheme. The application was granted on the condition of completion within 3 years.

Linkage Chief Executive Ges Roulstone said: “We’ve taken an opportunity to modernise our services in Lincoln by replacing an old building which was no longer fit for purpose with 12 modern, energy-efficient, individual flats for people with learning difficulties.

“These will be alongside shared ownership properties which will enable people to have an equity interest in their home should they and or their families wish to make that choice.

“This is our latest collaboration with the Waterloo Housing Group, with whom we enjoy an excellent working relationship and have developed other sites sensitively, and we look forward to the completion of this work.”