Major extension plans for care home near Holywell receive approval

Plans to more than double the number of bedrooms at a Flintshire care home have received the green light.

An application was submitted in April to create extra space at Allerton Lodge Care Home in Brynford, near Holywell, which currently has 18 bedrooms.

Owners Deencare Ltd wanted to increase the amount to 43 as part of proposals to support elderly people with mental health issues.

The two-storey extension, which will also result in the home’s lounge being made bigger, has now been approved by officials from Flintshire Council.

It followed an agent acting on the company’s behalf claiming the additional rooms were needed to meet the local demand for mental health care.

In a report, planning officer Mark Harris said: “This is a full application for a two-storey 26-bedroom and lounge extension to provide nursing care for elderly mentally infirm residents.
“The proposed scheme would, however, result in a net increase of the number of bedrooms by 25 to a total of 43 bedrooms, as an existing bedroom would be lost where the extension connects to the existing facility.
“The principle of an extension to the existing nursing home at this location is considered acceptable.
“In addition, permissions have (previously) been granted for two separate applications for its extension, although neither permissions have been implemented.”

One letter of objection was received against the plans from a neighbour concerned about the extra traffic it would generate.

However, Mr Harris said the council’s highways department had raised no issue with the development.

He added: “The objection relating to the increase in traffic associated with the development is duly noted.
“Consultation on the application has however been undertaken with the highway development control officer, who in progression of the application requested the submission of a transport assessment in order to establish the nature of the associated increase in vehicular movements from residents, staff, family and service vehicles.
“As a result, the highway development control officer raises no objection to the development on the scale proposed subject to ensuring the extension of the existing car parking facilities within the site.”
The plans were approved by Mr Harris using delegated powers.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter