Former Bristol day centre to be demolished for new supported housing

Plans have been approved to build new supported housing for young adults with autism at the site of a day centre in south Bristol.  

South Gloucestershire-based Elim Housing Association has been granted permission to build six bungalows with private gardens and staff accommodation at Haven Community on Ruthven Road in Knowle West.     

Knowle West-based Haven made the decision in 2022 to reduce the day centre provision and offer one of two buildings at the site for housing for people with additional needs in its place.     

In late 2022, the charity moved all operations into the smaller but largely refurbished building on the site, leaving the larger building empty - which was deemed not fit for purpose anymore.

The day centre temporarily closed at the end of March 2023, with the intention for the day centre to re-open after the new development is complete, albeit with smaller operations to match reduced demand for services.

The larger building at the site, which is surrounded by four residential streets, will now be demolished to make way for the new development.

Juliette Saunders, head of development for Elim Housing, said it is now “a step closer to developing the scheme for young adults and towards meeting Bristol's unmet need for specialist supported housing for people with learning disabilities and autism.”  

Naina Mandleker, consultant for Elim Housing, said: “The scheme has been designed for young people with autism taking their first step towards independent living, often the age when they are admitted to hospitals due to absence of suitable accommodation in the community to meet their need.” 

Graham Hoyle, Haven Community chair, added: “I am delighted that planning permission has been granted to Elim Housing to develop the plot of land, that has supported so many disabled adults over the last 18 years, through the building of six quality residential units.  

“We look forward to returning to site on completion, operating a day centre in the adjacent building and welcome the opportunity for both organisations to further engage, supporting the local community.”