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A health and social care provider is facing a backlash over plans to repurpose an Ayrshire care home and turn it into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. Enhance Healthcare has earmarked the new centre for Townend House, on the outskirts of Symington. But they face strong criticism from people opposed to the plan and an online petition has attracted more than 600 signatures. The criticism stems from two retrospective planning applications to South Ayrshire Council - with works already in progress. According to papers the works were undertaken “in advance” of the applications due to a “misunderstanding” of the consent requirements. One application relates to proposed alterations to the listed building and the other seeks permission for ‘alterations’ to Townend House and the ‘formation of car park and associated hardstandings.’ However, Ayrshire Live has seen written correspondence from Enhance Healthcare which reveals that their ultimate plan is to “repurpose” Townend as a “specialist drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility,” providing “safe, structured, and fully regulated care” for up to 24 residents. Townend will offer: But neither planning application details anything about using Townend House as a drug and rehab centre. Agent in the proposals is Glasgow-based Graeme Nicholls Architects Limited. Their design statement says: “The property operates as an adult care facility providing accommodation and support for individuals with physical disabilities and mental health conditions, including learning disabilities and other complex care needs. The works undertaken have been carried out sensitively and are consistent with the existing materials, detailing, and character of the listed building.” But opponents have lined up to call out the applications, with one objector calling them “disingenuous.” Ellie Ness, of Dundonald, said in her written objection: “The retrospective application is false in as much as it claims to have residents. People from the village of Symington have clear objections to a rehabilitation centre in their midst which they themselves will raise, but the application itself is disingenuous.” And Jodie Robertson, of Ayr, said: “In the design statement it states that the building is still used as a care home for vulnerable and disabled adults - but it is not. “It is getting turned into a rehab centre in a small village which to get to via public transport you have to pass a pub, so does not make sense. “Also, there are a lot of children and families in that area and I feel putting a rehab centre in Symington is not what’s best for the community there.” She added: “I grew up in Symington and the best thing was you could feel safe and the children could roam as they please without worries, but I think this is going to change all that.” David Johnston, of Symington said: “Although the proposal is framed as internal and external works, the reality is that these alterations enable a fundamental change of character and intensity of use- from a small, stable care facility for adults with learning difficulties to a high-turnover drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre including Prison-to-Rehab pathways.” Townend House is a mid-nineteenth-century, Category B Listed building set within mature landscaped grounds of approximately 2.3 acres and includes the main house and surrounding gardens. Andy Jamieson, Managing Director at Enhance Healthcare, confirmed in a letter- seen by Ayrshire Live : “Enhance Healthcare intends to repurpose Townend as a specialist drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, providing safe, structured, and fully regulated care for up to 24 residents. “Our objective is to deliver high-quality, therapeutic support that enables people to rebuild their lives, while being a responsible and transparent neighbour to the Symington community.” In a passionate defence, his letter continues: “Recent figures released by Scottish Government show that 36 people lost their lives to suspected drug-related causes in the first three months of 2025 in Ayrshire, with health services warning about the growing presence of highly potent synthetic opioids in local circulation. “Police and NHS Ayrshire & Arran have issued alerts about the dangers, while MSPs have called for urgent action to strengthen recovery pathways. “Communities across Ayrshire are living with the strain of rising overdoses, visible drug harms, and families in crisis. “Against this backdrop, the case for a structured, therapeutic residential service is clear.” Mr Jamieson’s letter also claims that independent evaluation of another Enhance Healthcare site, based at Calderglen House, Blantyre, has shown the “profound difference” these services make to people’s lives. The letter adds: “Townend will provide the kind of safe, supportive environment that both research and lived experience show can save lives, reduce harm, and help people reconnect with their families and communities." Both retrospective planning applications are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in December. The petition can be accessed here at https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-repurposing-of-townend-care-home-into-a-drug-alcohol-rehabilitation-centre
