Ex-nursing home in controversial planning proposal

Concerned: Jean Welsby, Beryl Hudson and Rod Broome with Councillor William Hobhouse

A former nursing home could be transformed into residential premises – if a planning application is accepted.

Laurel Grove building, Roch Valley Way, was first intended to be a hostel for 27 asylum seeker women, but the proposal was thrown out in January after strong objections from the local community. 

The previous planning applicants, Valley Estates, claimed the refusal was an act of discrimination, and has since stepped out of any potential deal. New buyers have stepped in and are suggesting the building is made into residential properties for 25 occupants.

Valley Estates Manager Farhan Zahoor said: “Our application was refused because the local community didn’t want asylum seeker women living there; it was clear discrimination in my eyes.

“I was disappointed beyond words, not least because the house would have generated new jobs for the town. We needed caretakers, cleaners, caterers and Corgi-registered engineers, but in the end it was refused”.

The new application, which was made on 6 February, is currently in the consultation stage, which is expected to end on 6 March, unless an extension is given.

Councillor William Hobhouse said: “Laurel Grove needs to be developed in a way that the local community supports.

“I think we all understand that this building was built for multiple occupation, but as an old people’s home rather than a hostel.

“If it is to be used by a different mix of residents, then planning permission should be conditioned to ensure that in the long term the building and its occupants enhance Sudden Village rather than detracting from it”.

Beryl Hudson, who lives nearby said: “We still have concerns that there is far too little communal space, no facility for a manager and concerns over service access and bins at the back.. There needs to be good new landscaping around the property, and a management plan”.