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JPK dream on the brink of reality
THIS is how a charity hopes its £4.5m residential centre for people with learning difficulties will look if it is given the go -head this year.
The JPK Project was formed in 2001 with the aim of raising enough money to fulfil co-ordinator Jill Parker's dream of providing much-needed living space for people with learning disabilities.
Mrs Parker said extensive research had shown there were no suitable vacancies in the area for this client group to live when their parents and carers became too old or died.
The charity's trustees have spent much of the last seven years running a high-profile fundraising campaign and searching for a suitable site for residential accommodation for 24 people and tea rooms, bakery and fully-equipped kitchen to provide training and work experience.
Two years ago, the charity found a site at Ocklynge Chalk Pit, next to Kestrel House nursing home in Willingdon Road.
An offer was made to the site's owners, the governing body of Sussex Downs College, and was accepted last year.
A planning application was submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council earlier this year and will be heard by the planning committee in February.
The JPK Project has been designed with the full consultation of parents and carers and takes into account the needs of people with a learning disability, the concerns of neighbours and the natural and ecological interests of the site.
The planned development will be split across three buildings. The derelict Lime Kiln Cottages will be renovated and an extension built to provide the centre's administration and reception area.
In the residential accommodation area, 24 en-suite studio apartments will be built to allow for privacy and independence but will also incorporate two communal lounge and dining rooms, kitchen and activity room to encourage the building of friendships.
The resource centre will include tea rooms, a bakery, a commercial kitchen and an education room to provide continued learning and practical training in hospitality and catering.
Training will be open to both those living on-site and in the wider Eastbourne area who want to extend their knowledge and employment opportunities.
The charity has also included a conservation area and a low level nature trail in the plans after advice from council planning officers to encourage the growth of flora and fauna and introduce new species which enjoy a chalk environment.
It will also provide additional training for the students in environmental issues, conservation and ground maintenance.
The charity said it had consulted with neighbours during the planning stages and met with those who showed an interest in discussing the plans in detail.
Mrs Parker said, "It has been a long haul in finding a suitable site and to get to the planning application stage.
"None of it could have been achieved without the tremendous support we receive from the local community in supporting our fundraising events, fundraising on our behalf, making donations and taking the time to write in support of our application.
"This support has given us the encouragement to battle on to provide this much-needed residential centre for people who, through no fault of their own, cannot help themselves.
"The planning application stage is merely the first crucial hurdle and we shall need continued help and support to commence building.
"We believe the JPK Project will be a flagship for Eastbourne."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 22 C
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