Plans for mental health services in Guildford get the green light despite local noise worries and objections from residents.
Guildford: Plans for mental health services in a residential area have been approved. The services will be run from an office building despite noise concerns from neighbors.
Some residents worried about disturbances from people in emotional distress. Oakleaf Enterprise, a local mental health charity, aims to help the community manage mental health issues.
After their previous location fell into disrepair, Oakleaf found a new home at Turret House on Jenner Road. This modern space will allow them to provide essential services.
Clive Stone, the Chief Executive, noted a rise in demand for help since COVID-19. He emphasized that many people just need a little extra support to cope with challenges like anxiety and loneliness.
The building is located at the corner of Jenner Road and Epsom Road, close to the high street. The application seeks to change the building’s use from strictly office space to include counseling services.
Most of the space, about 72%, will still be used for employment opportunities. The Guildford Borough Council’s planning committee voted in favor of the application on January 29.
Council members agreed that the benefits of improved mental health services outweighed the loss of some office space. The service will operate in partnership with the NHS, providing support from 6 PM to 11 PM.
Despite the approval, over 30 objections were raised, citing noise, privacy, and traffic concerns. Residents expressed worries about the impact on their peaceful neighborhood.
Some neighbors felt that the late hours would disrupt their lives, especially families and elderly residents. They wanted to ensure a quiet environment for everyone.
Concerns were also voiced about the unpredictable behavior of clients visiting the service. Residents feared it could affect their sense of security.
Privacy was another issue, as clients arriving in the evening might overlook nearby homes. Some residents worried about people lingering on the streets late at night.
Councilors noted that the area is not strictly residential, with nearby restaurants and businesses. They considered the residents’ concerns less significant in this context.
To address worries, the applicant promised to prohibit smoking on-site and limit parking access for clients. They also agreed to create a travel plan to manage parking issues.
