Expansion plans for Hollybank Trust in Mirfield

Aug 20 2009 By Barry Gibson

PLANNERS will decide today if a children’s charity can expand.

The Hollybank Trust wants to build three more care units at its Mirfield base.

The charity – which cares for severely-disabled children and adults – wants to expand to cope with growing demand.

The trust has asked Kirklees Council for permission to build two 12-bed high-dependency units and a six-bed respite unit on a field south of Hollybank School on Roe Head in Mirfield.

Hollybank chief executive Steven Hughes said: “We haven’t got enough room here, demand is increasing all the time – especially for our adults section. We’ve got a waiting list a mile long.

“This expansion would make a big difference.”

The council’s Heavy Woollen Planning Subcommittee will decide later today if the expansion can go ahead. Planning officials have recommended approval and no objections have been received.

Mr Hughes is optimistic that the plan will get the green light. He said: “We’re hopeful it will pass through planning but I don’t think we can take anything for granted.