Agenda item

Proposal: Erect an 80 bedroom Care Home with associated parking, landscaping and amenity space.

The Major Projects Officer set out the report and the application to erect an 80 bedroom Care Home with associated parking, landscaping and amenity space. The application site comprised of 0.75ha of greenfield land and was located to the south of Christchurch Road.   There were a number of protected trees on the site which were proposed to be retained.

The accommodation would be provided over two storeys, with a main entrance to the building facing Christchurch Road and a servicing entrance to the north east of the building.  Vehicular access to the site would be via a new access off of Christchurch Road and parking would be provided at the front of the site for 35 vehicles. The site would consist of community facilities as well as bedrooms.  There was a good level of amenity and the extending roof line would prevent glare and heat build-up in the building.   In conclusion the proposal for the site conformed to the requirements of the general policies of the local plan and overall the proposal represented sustainable development.

Vote to Continue Meeting

As the meeting had reached its three hour limit and in accordance with the constitution, the Chairman interrupted the debate to seek a vote to continue the meeting to its conclusion. This was so proposed by Cllr S Bartlett, seconded by Cllr C Brooks and agreed by the committee.

Public Participation

Cllr Philip Bamborough, Chairman of West Parley Parish Council objected to the application on the ground that this proposal was  speculative and out of keeping with the surrounding area.  The design and scale of the building was overbearing.  There were also concerns expressed regarding traffic safety.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Local Ward Member expressed disappointment at a care home on this site rather than a community use.  This was not what was expected or required by the local community. He felt that the proposed building was of poor design.  If the care home was to provide high dependency level of care, he was anxious that there would be  insufficient car parking on the site.   If members were minded to approve, he asked that they request a CIL for the benefit of wider development for the community.

Oral representation were received from Mr Adrian Kearly as the applicant’s agent. This was a proposed residential nursing care home which was badly needed across Dorset. The home would help reduce bed blocking and reduce accommodation shortfall. There was an increasing need for specialist care in the catchment area and the NHS had raised no objection to the plans.  It was considered that the car park was acceptable and staff would be working shifts outside of normal office hours.  Full CIL contributions were also part of the application.

In response to some of the comments made, the Development Management Manager advised that community use did not preclude a care home on the site. In planning terms this was an acceptable proposal and no other use had been put forward.   The proposal also met the general requirements of the planning policies.

Debate

There were some reservations expressed in respect of the design and size of the building and some members were concerned that it would be overbearing.  It was also disappointing that there was no direct access to the SANG for the residents of the care home as the use of green space was important for resident’s health.

Overall most members felt that the site and proposed building was acceptable development for the area and the increase care provision was an important factor for the local and surrounding areas of Dorset.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett seconded by Cllr A Benton that the application be approved.  Before being put to the vote members discussed amending the following condition “ There shall be no pets on the site at any time” to read “There shall be no pets on the site at any time, with the exception of therapy animals”.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried.

Decision

GRANTED subject to conditions, as amended and as set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Cllr Tooke left the meeting.