New care home approved despite objections

A new care home for more than 75 people has been approved despite objections from local residents and councillors.

Concerns were raised over the development in Frome, Somerset, on the lack of parking, privacy of nearby residents and the size of the building.

The new site off Marston Road, which was given the go ahead by Somerset council by nine votes to two and will provide round the clock care for dementia patients as well as creating 75 new jobs.

The committee said there would be "considerable benefits as a result of this development" and that it would "meet a projected need and add to the councils housing supply".

The development was recommended for approval going into the Planning Committee-East meeting on Tuesday, partly because of the "need for additional care home beds" within the Frome area, confirmed by the council's Adult and Social Care team.

"The addition will help meet rising demand from an aging population, but local consultation is necessary to ensure it benefits the community", the department of Adult and Social care said in the application.

In Frome, there are currently "no empty care homes or sites which could be identified as an alternative option" with the average occupancy for care homes at 80-87% according to Somerset Council.

But Somerset Integrated Care Board said this development could lead to "further pressure on GP surgeries in the vicinity of the proposed development".

The approved plans included the construction of electrical substation, parking and changes to existing access.

Frome Town Council raised concerns over the car park "overflowing with cars parking along Marston Road" as well as people living next to the development being "overlooked".

Councillor Shane Collins said this is a "large and contentious application", he said the "closeness of the care home to the neighbouring fence and its height will give an overbearing feel" as well as "blocking light".

The substation was also a point of objection, with Collins and Councillor Helen Kay worried about the "low continuous hum" it would cause.

Developer, Liberty Care Developments, said the care home will "ensure the people of Frome can have specialist elderly care and dementia care in the community".

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