PLANS to build a new 33-bed care home in the town centre have been approved by the council despite numerous objections from local residents.
The care home, which will be built to the west of Perseverance Street, will be operated by Exemplar Health Care.
The firm, which currently run more than 35 specialist homes across the UK, specialise in providing ‘high-quality specialist nursing care for adults with complex needs’.
The earmarked site is currently vacant following its previous use as a car park which served the nearby Springfield House.
A planning report states: “The application seeks full planning permission for the, and the construction of a 33-bed specialist care home facility with associated access, landscaping, and parking.
“The building will be of a similar scale to surrounding buildings, including the three-storey apartment buildings and townhouses to the north, northeast and west and two storey residential dwellings adjacent to the site to the south and east in order to assimilate into the visual context of the surrounding area.
“Exemplar Health Care provides specialist nursing care and rehabilitation for adults living with a range of complex and high acuity needs.
“The facility will provide 33 bedrooms for residents, including two hoist bedrooms located on the ground floor.
“All bedrooms will have full private en-suite facilities including showers.
“Large, assisted bathrooms will also be provided on each floor.”
The plans were put forward for public consultation following the submission of the application in June last year - with a number of residents objecting.
A report said: “A total of 17 objections were received from separate addresses following the first consultation.
“The main points of concern set out in the objections were that the current parking situation in the surrounding streets in an issue.
“During construction of the development there will be highway safety concerns.
“The size and position of the building could result in a loss of light.
“The type of residents proposed to be house in the care home could pose a risk, especially as the site is within a residential area and there is a children’s play area opposite.”
Despite these concerns, the council approved the plans earlier this week - and a total of 51 new jobs are set to be created.
“The proposed care home would generate new jobs, in addition to the employment opportunities during the construction phases of the development,” the report said.
“The economic benefits associated with the proposed development go beyond just the jobs created by the facility.
“They also include temporary socio-economic benefits generated during the construction phase of the development and permanent socio-economic benefits which will be generated once the scheme is complete and operational.
“As such, the proposal will make a positive contribution to the local economy.”
