A CARE home hopes to expand to provide three new apartments for people with learning disabilities - and create six new jobs.Kingsley Care Homes has submitted a planning application to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to convert a barn next to its existing care home at Decoy Farm in Belton to provide extra self-contained accommodation.

A CARE home hopes to expand to provide three new apartments for people with learning disabilities - and create six new jobs.

Kingsley Care Homes has submitted a planning application to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to convert a barn next to its existing care home at Decoy Farm in Belton to provide extra self-contained accommodation.

The homes will be aimed at those suffering from learning disabilities, including autism, as a step towards them gaining full independence so they can live in the wider community.

The existing care facility is big enough to accommodate five residents, but the company wants to expand to meet demand.

Daya Phayan, managing director of Kingsley Care Homes, said the Belton site catered for people suffering autism, speech impairment and other disabilities who often needed medical treatment as well. Many suffer depression and have difficulty socialising with others as well as being able to keep a steady job.

But Mr Phayan said these problems could be overcome with specialist care.

Although the residents of the new apartments, aged between 18 and 65, would be living largely independently, a support worker would be on hand 24 hours-a-day to provide them with support should they need it.

“It is about offering a safe environment for these people suffering from learning disabilities. It is about community inclusion and giving them a chance to learn skills. They don't cause harm to anyone. They need help to live on their own,” Mr Phayan said.