Plans approved for new care home in St Leonards

Barchester Healthcare’s scheme for the former American military hospital site was given planning permission by East Dorset District Council shortly before its abolition at the end of March.

Detailed plans for the care home were submitted following this, outlining its proposal for a smaller facility than originally considered in the initial application.

The principle of a care home being built on the site was supported by the council when it approved the outline application in 2014. But, final details of the building’s design have only now been approved.

The building will be smaller than was initially being considered with the outline application giving permission for a facility of up to 80 beds.

Once built, the new care home will be managed by Barchester Healthcare which runs more than 200 others across the country.

The firm says there is “a great need” for nursing care in the area. “The proposed development would continue to clearly provide a much-needed local community facility serving the area,” a statement submitted with the application said. “The facility would provide an important local support service and offer high-quality care accommodation outside of the local authority and primary care trust services.”

Most of the beds (53) will be provided on a private basis with the others made available as ‘affordable’ for people in receipt of housing benefit.The application was approved by Dorset Council planning officer Elizabeth Fay who said the care home plans met with the policies of its local plan.”The proposal provides the standards of amenity expected from a care home development with all bedrooms having a reasonable outlook and provision of communal areas and balconies,” she said.“Externally, a landscaped communal garden will provide areas of seating and walking with sensory planting.”