An ‘obtrusive and overbearing’ design for a care home in Ruscombe is set to be approved by Wokingham Borough Council next week.
LNT Developments would like to build a 66-bed care home for the elderly on land to the west of New Road, Ruscombe. The care providers have set up 200 homes for the elderly across the country since 2005.
But various issues raised by councillors, residents and parish authorities mean that a decision will be taken by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, October 9.
The planned care home would provide 66 beds for the elderly, along with ‘excellent day-to-day amenities and facilities that reflect modern day domestic comforts’.
Wokingham currently has a shortage of care home spaces for the elderly, and has an ageing population, according to council officers.
The care home would contain main lounges, dining rooms, a café and bar, a cinema room, shops, and a hair studio.
A total of 52 full time staff would work at the care home, with a further 6 part time employees working on a shift basis.
30 parking spaces would also be provided, and access would be through New Road.
It would be built on land formerly used as a garden nursery, which is currently home to derelict buildings, fly-tipped rubbish and overgrown vegetation.
However, concerns have been raised over some aspects of the plan, including whether enough public transport is available for staff members.
Although Twyford Station is a mere 900m away, officers are recommending that the care home sets up a staff mini-bus service to encourage sustainable travel to work.
Other issues have been taken over the design of the building, which ward member for Twyford and Ruscombe Councillor Stephen Conway said would be ‘obtrusive and overbearing’ on neighbours.
Surrounding properties are mostly comprised of bungalows.
The officer report notes that although the modern building would ‘to a degree alter the character of the site’, this would not necessarily be negative – given the unappealing derelict buildings and fly-tipped rubbish there currently.
Twyford Parish Council said that given it would be a high dependency care facility, it would have ‘significant impact on local services’.
A further 20 residents have objected to the plans, citing various reasons including impact on the area, principle of development, and impact on roads.
If approved, the care home will be built and ready for occupation within 16 months of planning permission being granted.
A decision will be made by Wokingham Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday, October 9.
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