Plans for a modern new care home on the site of the former Fordlands care home in Fulford have been amended after the developers listened to feedback from the Council, to ensure it will be a real asset for York, on this key brownfield site.
Octopus Healthcare submitted plans for a 64 bed care home to replace the vacant former care home on the site in August and has recently amended its plans to ensure it is in keeping with its surroundings.
The development represents a £10 million investment in the City and will create 64 full and part time jobs.
The height and roofline has been lowered by up to 1.2m in key places, to make it more sympathetic to its environment, in response to comments by Council Officers.
The proposals are in light of the pressing need for more care home beds in the City. In an updated report that went to the Council’s Executive Committee last month (28th September), it was confirmed that there is an estimated shortfall of 663 residential and extra care places for over 75’s by 2020 and a 1,490 shortfall by 2030.
According to a recent Local Government Association report called ‘Housing Our Ageing population’, it also estimated that throughout the country, the number of people aged over 65 is forecast to rise over the next decade, from the current 11.7 million people, to 14.3 million by 2025, a 22 per cent rise.
Lyth Watson, Director of Development for Octopus Healthcare commented:
“We believe that these plans will help to meet some of the shortfall in places identified by the Council. Our proposals replace a long-term vacant care home, that was no longer fit for purpose, with a modern care facility to help meet the complex care needs of older people in the City. Through the planning process we have listened to feedback and amended the plans to ensure it fits in with the local environment and to ensure it will be a real asset for York, on this key brownfield site.”
The proposals will diversify the type of care accommodation that exists in the local area and will provide independent and private rooms of varying sizes with en-suite facilities. Additional shared facilities will be available for residents, such as dining rooms, lounges, activity rooms, gardens, hairdressers and a residents and visitors café.
A decision is expected on the planning application in November. If approved, the new care home could be open by mid-2019.
