The Angus mother of a Down’s syndrome sufferer has hit out at the Broughty Ferry residents who objected to having young adults with mental disabilities living near them.
Teresa Stewart, of Monifieth, whose son Keith is now 40, said she was sickened by objections to plans for a home for four young people with learning disabilities in Deepdale Place, and accused residents of “living in the dark ages.”
She made the comments after councillors voted to approve a planning application for a home for people with conditions such as autism and Down’s syndrome.
At the meeting on Monday night, councillors on the planning committee heard several residents had raised concerns, including potential anti-social behaviour.
Laurie Bidwell proposed refusal, saying the application amounted to a “mini care home business” and the many elderly residents nearby deserved a continuing quiet life.
However, Ken Lynn argued: “Where else would you put a small development for young people with learning difficulties other than a quiet residential area?”
The committee voted 15 to nine to approve the application by Tus Nua Care Services.
Mrs Stewart said: “It makes me weep to find people still think people with learning disabilities are going to be detrimental.”
She added: “This is 2013 not 1913 when the attitude of the time was put them out of sight and out of mind.”
Mr Bidwell said the application had been sent to the planning committee because of the “considerable” number of objections.
He said: “As one of the councillors for the Ferry, I did my best on Monday night to represent the viewpoints of these constituents to the planning committee. I believe that is the job of a local elected representative.”