Plans to build an adult day service on a former school site have been approved, with an existing facility set for demolition.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has deemed The Northwick Day Centre, in Northwick Road, unsuitable for current and future requirements.

The building, also known as the South Oxhey Day Service Centre, supports adults with physical and learning disabilities, mental health problems, and age-related conditions but is apparently dated and in need of extensive repairs.

The proposed facility.The proposed facility. (Image: LSI Architects)

Last week, the county council’s development management committee unanimously agreed to grant permission for a replacement facility to be built at the former Sir James Altham School site, near Lytham Avenue and Oxhey Jets Football Club.

The development will also involve the demolition of a vacant bungalow, formerly Homeoaks Group Home, which was found to have “foundation subsidence issues”. The new facility will be reached through the existing bungalow access in Lytham Avenue.

The proposed ground floor.The proposed ground floor. (Image: LSI Architects)

Three Rivers District Council initially opposed the plan, because it would take away an allocated housing site from the district. However, it removed its objection last Monday (July 15) after talks apparently showed that housing developments could be brought forward in future if the plan was approved.

Following the district council dropping its concerns, six extra conditions were added to the decision notice. These largely related to access on Oxhey Jets matchdays and ecology.

A spokesperson for HCC said the new service has been designed to help “support people to live independently and stay connected within their own communities”.

It will have 23 parking spaces for employees and visitors, four minibus spaces, 12 cycle parking spaces, three accessible parking spaces, and a drop off area comprising of two spaces.

As not all of the 24 staff members would be on site at the same time, and most service users arrive by minibus, the number of parking spaces has been deemed adequate.

Facilities include a secure entrance area with a reception, activity rooms, a treatment room, rehabilitation kitchen, full catering kitchen, a dining room, and main hall. Garden areas with a kitchen garden and a small water feature will also be provided.