Brain injury hospital at the Chocolate Works approved

Plans for a new acquired brain injury hospital at the Chocolate Works in York have been given the go-ahead.The decision by City of York Council’s planning committee is set to secure the future of The Disabilities Trust in York, protecting about 145 healthcare jobs, as well as retaining a vital mental health service in the city. After more than 20 years of operating from York House at The Retreat on Heslington Road, the facility is closing, requiring The Disabilities Trust to move its operations. In partnership with HBD, The Trust identified land south of The Residence at the Chocolate Works for the new facility.The scheme, which includes 36 beds across four wards and four assessment flats, will feature three private and internal courtyards for service users, as well as an additional therapeutic garden.The development will include 50 car parking spaces, bicycle racks and additional landscaping adjacent to the Peace Garden.A planning application was submitted in July following a successful public consultation in June this year. The project team supporting HBD and The Disabilities Trust include planning and heritage consultant JLL, principle architect Jefferson Sheard, and specialist landscape architect, re-form landscape architecture.