Inclusive Housing Australia says ‘unequivocal need’ for group homes at western Sydney

Plans for a group home in western Sydney for young adults living with a disability to “live as independently as possible” has been lodged, with the housing provider declaring the need for such housing can’t be argued.

Artists impression of a group home for young people living with a disability. Source: Inclusive Housing Australia

Plans for permanent group homes to house young adults living with a disability at Werrington have been proposed by an NDIS provider, which says Penrith Council “cannot argue” with the area’s need for such housing.

The applicant is NDIS registered provider Inclusive Housing Australia, which says its residents are “generally young”, often overlooked in specialty housing and would otherwise be required to potentially live in an aged care facility.

The plans, submitted on January 25, propose four separate group homes at Chapman St, Werrington, about one kilometre from a train station.

The homes would be single story, semi-detached dwellings featuring up to three bedrooms and housing a maximum of 10 residents.

Artist impression of a group home for young people living with a disability. Source: Inclusive Housing Australia

Inclusive Housing Australia, which has an objective of allowing young people with a disability to “live as independently as possible”, has previously provided group homes with amenities such as seizure mats, emergency buttons and sensors to recognise residents movements.

“The group housing delivers an essential public good designed to be liveable, accessible and functional and improve the lives of those with disability,” planning documents state.

“This type of accommodation is generally missing from typical specialised housing and these young people seeking an independent life are often overlooked.”

The documents also state it was “unequivocal” that there was a need for this type of development.

“Council cannot suggest that there is no need for a group home of this nature.”