Somerset Council is preparing to bring the former Beechtrees children’s respite care home in Wellington back into use as a new supported living home for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
This week, Discovery, a not-for-profit care and support provider based in Somerset, has agreed a long-term lease on the site and work is currently underway to adapt the building to provide a safe, suitable and welcoming home for people who need specialised support to live as independently as possible. The new service is planned to open in January 2027.
The move will help bring an important local building back into use while creating high-quality accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in Somerset. The location has good access to public transport and local amenities, supporting residents to be part of the wider community.
Discovery already supports people with learning disabilities and autism across Somerset, including through supported living, short breaks, outreach and other care and support services. The organisation works with people, families, carers and partners to help people live ordinary, fulfilling lives in their local communities.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness at Somerset Council, said:
This is a positive step for Wellington and for Somerset. Beechtrees is a council-owned building which is currently out of use, so I am pleased that it will once again play an important role in supporting people in our community.
The new home will support adults with learning disabilities and autism to live in a safe, suitable and well-connected setting, with the right care around them. Everyone deserves the chance to live in a place they can call home, close to local services and opportunities.
A spokesperson for Discovery said:
We are pleased to be partnering with Somerset Council on plans for Beechtrees. This development will provide a welcoming home where people with a learning disability and, or, autistic adults can enjoy greater independence while remaining close to the people and community that matter most to them.
The council will continue to work with Discovery as plans for the building are developed.
Further information will be shared with residents, Councillors and stakeholders as the work to reopen the building progresses.
