Care home expansion set for approval despite fears

A care home is set to expand with three new bedrooms and a fire escape planned.

Maesbrook Nursing Home in Church Road, Shrewsbury, has applied for the expansion to take in further residents.

But Shrewsbury Town Council objects to the scheme, saying the design does not fit in with the character of the area.

The plans will be determined by Shropshire Council’s Central Planning Committee on Thursday.

The scheme has been recommended for approval.

Shannon Franklin, planning case officer said in her report to the committee: “The application seeks planning permission for a revised scheme resulting in the erection of first floor extensions to the northeast part of main building to create three additional bedrooms; a link corridor to these additional bedrooms with an increase in height of roof and insertion of additional windows.

“A scheme seeking the same works in principle; three additional bedrooms and a link corridor, was permitted in decision on March 15, however, following consultation with the building regulations the applicant is now required to provide an internal fire escape staircase and increased head height.”

She added: “The application relates to Maesbrook Nursing Home which is located in the area of Meole village approximately 2.4km to the south of Shrewsbury town centre.

“The building is situated to the southern end of Church Road, a narrow lane serving the site and other residential properties.

“The building has been extended to both the northeast and southwest sides together with extensions to the rear elevations throughout the 30 years it has operated as a nursing home.”

Shrewsbury Town Council said it objects on a number of points.

In a statement, it says: “The town council objects to this application on the following grounds:  Being mindful of the fact that the nursing home is set in a prominent location within the Meole Brace Conservation Area, the style chosen neither enhances nor preserves the area.

“The building is of particular historical importance and the council regards the link building is of an unsympathetic design within its context and is not in-keeping with the existing building and its historical context.  

“Members consider the proposed extensions overdevelopment of the site and the overlooking windows impact on the privacy of the neighbouring properties. Increasing the capacity of the Nursing Home will exacerbate the current traffic problems particularly congestion around the narrow streets “

But Ms Franklin concluded: “On balance it is considered that the cumulative impact of the development on the site and the surroundings does not have a demonstrable impact sufficient to warrant refusal of the scheme.

“The works are judged to be in scale and character with the existing building, of no demonstrable harm in terms of visual impact and the amenity of neighbouring residents is considered to be preserved.”