Plans to convert a former Alford care home into a rehab clinic have been given the go-ahead despite complaints from “fearful” neighbours.
Phoenix Futures will take over the former Muirhead Care Home at Muir of Fowlis.
They say they are “dedicated to helping tackle the levels of drug harm and death in Scotland”, with the new unit needed to combat the scourge of addiction in the north-east.
There will be up to 30 people there, with stays ranging between three and six months as experts treat patients.
Alford rehab clinic may ‘instill fear’ in the area, some claim
However, the proposal was met with opposition from residents living nearby, with 24 writing to Aberdeenshire Council to object.
The local authority would go on to say many of there were “not material”.
The complaints did not relate to the use, but rather the client group taking it on.
Stephen Muir voiced worries that the rehab unit would “create a major problem” and “instill fear for many people in the area”.
He added: “There will be nothing to stop the clients that are using the facilities to leave the premises and roam.
“The thought that there is the possibility of strangers roaming around in the pitch dark makes me scared for my wife, my own wellbeing and for my property.”
Concerns raised about remote rehab clinic
Fellow resident Anne-Marie Little claimed the change would cause her “anxiety”.
She said: “These individuals will be free to come and go as they please, which is making my anxiety even worse.”
Rachael Peachey said she would be living in fear of “desperate” addicts breaking in.
“The idea of addicts being so close to our house makes me fearful,” she said.
“While I understand many of these people are seeking help and are likely to be no trouble, it is also true that with addiction comes desperation and I would no longer feel safe walking around the village or in fact being home alone.”
What other concerns do locals have?
Peter Copp said there were “considerable fear factors” as he referred to patients as “inmates”.
He said: “It is not known whether or not the intention is for a secure unit, or if inmates will be free to roam.”
What will happen to the Alford site?
But despite these concerns, council planners gave Phoenix Futures the green light to proceed with their rehab plan.
They argued the works proposed for the site were “appropriate”.
Under the plans, the building will be upgraded to provide en suite bedrooms, offices and social areas.
The “rotten” timber entrance would be torn down and replaced with a new glass lobby.
Meanwhile, a new “teepee” building will be built on the site and used as a group room.
The timber cladded octagon-shaped structure will be a “critical” part of the therapeutic recovery programme.
Rehab will ‘give specialist support needed’
Phoenix Futures say they are developing the residential rehabilitation service in Grampian after the Scottish Government highlighted it as a “priority area” for support.
A spokesman previously told us that it “would work with people in a safe, structured and substance-free home”.
He added: “Phoenix Futures is dedicated to helping tackle the levels of drug harm and death in Scotland.
“This service in particular will give the specialist support needed to help people recover.”
Why was Muirhead Care Home closed down?
The care home was forced to close back in August 2018 following an inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
Inspectors reported that some residents were not being fed enough while others were not given essential medication.
After taking the matter to court, an order was given to shut the facility.
Later that year, a 79-year-old man and two women aged 78 and 56 were arrested after concerns were raised around the safety of residents at the home.
But, the investigation eventually led to no prosecutions being made.
Anyone struggling with addiction problems can find help here.
You can see the plans here.
Conversation