A NEW drugs and alcohol rehab centre could soon be set up in Aylesbury.
An application has been put to Aylesbury Vale District Council for the change of use of a building in Friarage Court on Rickfords Hill.
The plans, submitted by the OASIS Partnership and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, are to change the currently vacant offices into a non-residential institution for a drug and alcohol rehab centre.
A spokesman for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the OASIS Partnership, said: “The application was presented to the planning committee in March this year, when the members resolved to approve the application subject to certain conditions around security and fencing.
“A decision notice has not yet been issued and in addition, if approval is given, the Trust, along with OASIS, still needs to consider whether the building, cost-wise, would be a viable option to house its services.
“Drug and alcohol services are currently being provided at the Tindal Centre and Walton Street, Aylesbury. The Walton Street lease ends soon which presents an ideal opportunity to integrate both services into one single and centrally situated site, meeting government recommendations to combine health and social care services.
“The Friarage Court building, at this stage, is the most suitable premises found in terms of its location and size. Those accessing drug and alcohol services are seeking to change their lives in a positive way by ending their addiction,” said the spokesman.
“Providing services in city centre locations, which are easily accessible, is of vital importance, not only to the clients of the services but also the local community.
“Evidence shows having combined and centrally located services reduces anti social behaviour and crime connected to drug and alcohol misuse.
“If permission is agreed, we will continue to encourage open dialogue to ensure any concerns are addressed, and that reassurance is given that drug and alcohol services can help improve the local environment by supporting those proactively seeking to change their lives for the better.”
A decision date has not yet been set for the centre.