Kemps Place on Rackham Road currently supports 30 adults with mental ill health, and a new application to Norwich City Council would see six new rooms added to the site.

Though not an NHS facility, Norfolk County Council's Adult Social Services says it is exactly the kind of provision the region desperately needs more of.

In response to the application, the council has cited an "urgent need" for the type of service Kemps Place provides, pointing to a wave of mental health service closures across Norfolk that has left a gaping hole in local provision.

The home was rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission as recently as May 2023, and Adult Social Services raised no concerns over the operator's track record.

The expansion is expected to create three additional full-time jobs.

Despite the warnings from the council, neighbours have objected to the scheme, raising concerns about potential noise and anti-social behaviour which could stem from an expansion. 

However planning officers have recommended the application for approval, concluding that the social and health benefits of the scheme outweigh local concerns.

Councillors are expected to make a decision at a planning committee meeting on Thursday.

© Norwich Evening News