Care entrepreneur 'unfairly targeted' as Quarriers assisted living plans spark village backlash

A care worker turned entrepreneur who plans to transform a home where he once worked into an assisted living facility says he has been “unfairly targeted” after receiving over 100 objections from the local community.

Frank Benson, chief executive of Ark Circles Ltd, has purchased a home in the Quarriers site in Kilmacolm with the aim of helping vulnerable people live independently with tailored support.

But residents in the Inverclyde village are divided over the proposal, with some expressing concerns about safety and the impact on the local area.

‘A nightmare’

What Frank hoped would be a success story has instead become what he describes as a “nightmare”.

After years of working in the care sector, he is now preparing to open his first supported living facility for vulnerable adults.

He told STV News: “There is a highly regulated vetting process that needs to happen.

“We would receive referrals from the council, adult placement teams, social workers, hospitals or private enquiries. Everything would have to go through the right assessment channels.

“Each individual has a unique care package; this is a tailored service for the client or the people, and what support they need. It has to be in consultation with a social worker and the hospital.”

Former care home purchased by Frank Benson STV News

But Frank’s initial planning application at Inverclyde Council last year attracted 130 objections and was refused. However, following an appeal, the Scottish Government overturned the decision in December.

He is now applying for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) operational license.

But some residents have raised concerns that vulnerable adults would not have 24-hour supervision. Further complaints have been raised around parking spaces and the isolated nature of the village.

“The main problem is misinformation going out and scaremongering people. Because when you hear HMO, most people think it’s going to be danger or sex offenders; that is not true. I think that is discrimination. People are being misled.

“When you have 24-hour care, that’s a care home. We’re supported living; they have their own home and individual services in their own names, hence why we need a care home license.”

‘It’s caused some unrest’

The village was purpose-built for a charitable community caring for children more than 150 years ago by William Quarriers.

While most of the buildings were once cared for, the charity has since scaled back operations, leading to properties being sold.

But Frank’s plans for supported living haven’t been welcomed by many of those who live here.

Local councillor David Wilson, who represents the area, is opposing the application.

“The main concern is they’re not too sure who the residents are going to be; that’s caused a bit of unrest within the village,” he said.

“It’s quiet here; there are care homes within the village and private homes, and everyone gets on very well together. It’s extremely peaceful, though not much happens here.”

He added: “It is unusual. In proportion, there are 200 voters in the village; if 130 object to a planning application, that’s a very high percentage. I’ve not seen those numbers anywhere else.

“I’ve been quite overwhelmed by the reaction.”

Leaflet ‘misinformation’

For some in the village, outcry over Frank’s application only emerged when they received leaflets through their door in January, accusing him of criminal conduct and that he planned to house high-risk, violent sexual offenders and illegal immigrants.

The flyer encouraged residents to report him to Police Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.

Local resident Persephone Hawthorn said she carried out her own research after receiving the leaflet.

“It made me feel unsafe to think that was a possibility, so I looked into it. I found nothing to support what’s being claimed.

“Looking at the Ark Circles website and reports from the Care Inspectorate, there is nothing stated saying services are for parolees or offenders. I think it’s misinformation.

“This village has always been a setting used to care for people. It’s quite supportive. It’s a good area to have a home like what is being proposed.”

Residents of Quarriers village have until February 3 to submit their objections, followed by a decision by the council on whether to grant the HMO license.