A CAMPAIGNER from Worcester has spoken of the importance of autistic adults being able to live close to their families as a previously refused planning application goes to appeal.

Mary Dhonau, whose 18-year-old son Peter suffers from severe autism, is due to speak at a planning appeal for a home for adults with the condition near Droitwich, tomorrow.

Wychavon District Council refused permission for the development at Upper Ford Lodge in Elmbridge in February after planning officers said it would constitute “inappropriate development” in the green belt – an area of land intended to prevent urban sprawl.

Ms Dhonoa said Peter – who is unable to carry out basic tasks by himself and has the mental capacity of an 18-month-old – had lived at a residential home in Shropshire for the past ten years, but was facing having to move out now he is 18.

“His needs are such that I cannot manage to look after him alone but the thought of being able to pop in in and see him for shorter periods more regularly means so much to both his father and I and I know it would do to him,” she said. “I’m sure our immediate family would also like to see him.

“The thought of him being placed far away breaks my heart.

“I know it would also break his and cause him much distress and anxiety.

“I cannot bear the thought of that – it’s the kind of things my nightmares are made of.”

She said the proposed home at Upper Ford Lodge, which is planned to include eight assisted living apartments, had seemed like “a dream come true” when the plans were submitted by Fortis Living.

But Ms Dhonoa, who is well-known nationally for her work campaigning for better flood defences after her Worcester home was flooded twice in 2000 and again in 2007 and was awarded an OBE in 2009, said she was “incredulous” when the plans were turned down .

“I also understand that the proposed small development is on the very edge of the Birmingham green belt – it ends only a few hundred metres away,” she said.

“It is however in the grounds of an already established care home and the very fact that it is near to the green belt is good for everyone concerned, as we know nothing else will be built there and the location will remain rural and quiet – something autistic people prefer – so to me, this is a benefit.”

Wychavon District Council managing director Jack Hegarty said: “While we recognise the need to provide new specialist facilities for individuals with complex needs, our view remains that this development is not suitable due to the harm it would cause to the green belt.

“The appeal will allow for all the relevant planning arguments to be put forward and fully considered by the inspector who will then make a decision.”

To view the full details of the plans visit www.wychavon.gov.uk and search for application W/14/01784/PN.

For the outcome of the appeal visit www.worcesternews.co.uk.