Norwood has launched a consultation process with residents of its Ravenswood facility in Berkshire and their families to assess how best to use vacant buildings and land and enhance the living environment.

The charity - which runs the residential community for adults with learning disabilities - estimates that 20 acres of land is no longer in use and could deteriorate over time.

Over the next few months, Norwood will gather the views of dozens of individuals, representative groups and other interested parties about the issues involved.

Based on the results, it will then develop a range of possible options for further consideration by Norwood's trustee board.

Norwood's operational services director David Harris said that a major desire was ensuring that Ravenswood "continues to be a pleasant place to live and work. Some of the buildings and land are no longer used and unless we reach a decision about how to better utilise these areas, life for residents and staff may be adversely affected. All options, including selective development of the site, are up for discussion and we are looking forward to hearing back from residents and their families."

‘We want it to be a pleasant place to live and work’

Mr Harris added: "We view this as an important opportunity to improve the environment at Ravenswood for the benefit of the people who live and work there and create a truly inclusive and integrated community."