PLANS for a new dementia care home in Burntwood have been given the green light.
It is the third time the proposals for the former Bridge Cross Garage plot had come forward to Lichfield District Council.
The facility will feature 72 rooms and a community space.
Councillors had refused the application in May due to increased pressures on the primary care network and the design failing to respect the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
Samantha Crawley, CEO of Bracebridge Care Group, told councillors:
“We also know that people living with dementia cohorted with people at approximately the same stages of their dementia do much better in their wellbeing.
“Older people who live alongside people living with dementia can often feel uncomfortable, displaced and anxious. This often resulting in less than favourable interactions such as dismissive, often angry exchanges with the people living with dementia.
“Our design helps reduce this stress and that means that people’s health remaining for longer.
“I can talk about how well we’ve run care homes and why you should have this home in your area, but I think they key aspect of this home being put in your community comes in it’s ability to deliver high sought-after dementia nursing care and support needed by the Integrated Care Board.
“The market positioning statement is clear – dementia care is required particularly in this area.”
Hairdressing and cinema facilities will also be housed at the care home.
It is proposed that 22 car parking spaces will be provided at the rear of the site, with two being accessible and one reserved for an ambulance and delivery vans.
However, not all councillors at Lichfield District Council were pleased with the new plans.
Cllr Di Evans, Labour representative for Boney Hay and Central, told fellow planning committee members that she still had issues with the plans, calling the proposed building overbearing, imposing and detrimental to the streetscene.
“It won’t surprise anybody to know that I’m still really concerned about this application.
“I’m fully aware that dementia care homes are going to be the thing of the future, but not in this area.
“It is contrary to the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan. Many, many hours and an awful lot of money have been put into this and I am going to be repetitious from what I’ve said before – councillors and residents have put time into producing the plan and it now appears it counts for nothing.”
However, Cllr Derick Cross, independent member for Alrewas and Fradley, said:
“I find it a big improvement to the original application – it’s quite a nice looking building.
“I think it will be an improvement for the area. It would also encourage other developments to come and improve that area which would be a big benefit for Burntwood.”
