A CHARITY that provides specialist care for people with autism is looking to expand on its facilities.

The North East Autism Society (NEAS) is planning to add four new custom-designed respite care lodges to its existing facilities at the New Warlands Farm, near Burnhope.

The charity currently has two wooden lodges on the site, which have been designed to offer residential short breaks to adults with autism.

The aim of these short breaks is to provide those with autism the opportunity to take part in therapeutic and skill building activities, all in a relaxing home-style environment.

A planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council and, if it is approved, it is hoped work will start in February next year.

John Phillipson, chief executive of NEAS, said the demand for these breaks has led to the plans to expand.

He said: “For just over two years we’ve run a ‘short break’ service for adults at our farm site.

“These breaks have made a huge difference for people with autism and their families”.

Mr Phillipson added: “However, we can no longer cope with the demand for these breaks and so the decision has been made to raise funds to build four more bespoke lodges.”

The lodges, designed by Gradon Architecture, will mean New Warlands Farm can more than double the amount of places on these short breaks than they can currently offer, meaning more people can make the most of the facilities and staff that are available.

Tanja Smith, technical director at Gradon Architecture, said: “We pride ourselves on being a practice that creates designs that enhance people’s lives and, with that in mind, this has been a hugely rewarding project to work on.”