OBMH can finally start work on a brand new mental health inpatient unit in Oxford, for those aged 11-18, following a decision by Oxford City Council to grant planning permission.

The planning application was originally granted by the North East Area Committee but was called into the Strategic Development Control Committee (SDCC) by a number of councillors who were not happy with the decision. SDCC voted to grant planning permission.

Julie Waldron, Chief Executive said, “We are very happy that we can now start work on the much needed new 18-bed unit. I would like to personally thank everyone that has supported us with this development to ensure that the young people across the county have access to a modern and fit-for-purpose environment.”

Work is due to begin on site in the coming weeks so that the unit will be open by the end of 2011.

Young people currently receiving care on the Highfield Unit have already been involved in the design of the new building and will continue to help as the project progresses. An area that was clearly important to them was the need to have outside space.

One of the comments was “It would be lovely to have a proper garden…it would help us feel better.”

The architects, Gray Baynes and Shew (GBS) of Oxford, are already working with the young people to design a sports area, quiet outside space and an allotment.

Everyone is invited to attend an open meeting to find out how the development is progressing:

Monday 15 March, 6:45-8:15pm, at Warneford Chapel, Warneford Hospital, Headington, Oxford.