Uttoxeter Nursing Home Demolition Plan Set For Green Light

The demolition of a Uttoxeter care home and its replacement with a purpose-built facility is set to get the go-ahead – despite concerns from town councillors.

Rushcliffe Care Ltd hopes to knock down a 27-bed building for people with learning and physical disabilities at Highfield Hall, in Stafford Road, and replace it with a 24-bed two-storey nursing home.

The company also wants to build a separate two-storey building to provide a further 12 beds on the eight-acre site.

East Staffordshire Borough Council is set to approve the development at a meeting of the planning committee, at Burton Town Hall, on Monday.

The changes are necessary because the present buildings have low levels of insulation and “severely compromised” room sizes, corridor and door widths, contravening the environmental standards required under the Care Standards Act 2000.

A report issued by the director of development and regeneration, Mahmood Azam, prior to the meeting said: “Current running costs, repair and maintenance costs are high, and the viability of the facility will become unsustainable within a few years. The shortfall in terms of the care standards for buildings accommodating residents is so significant that rebuilding is considered the only viable option.”

But at a meeting of Uttoxeter Town Council last month, members unanimously voted to reject the proposals on the grounds that the facade of the building would not be in keeping with its area. They also objected to the large increase in the size of the building and the effect on infrastructure.

However, Mr Azam said: “Although the proposed buildings are relatively large, I do not consider that they will be unduly prominent within the landscape, subject to the use of appropriate materials.

“The proposal constitutes the extension of an established residential care facility, which would not adversely affect the amenities of the surrounding area, would not detrimentally affect the character or appearance of the surrounding countryside, and would not prejudice the safe or efficient use of the highway network.”

Planners have not received any objections from residents living near Highfield Hall.

The site also includes 23 assisted-living bungalows, with 59 bed spaces, which will not be affected by the proposals.

If the plans get the green light the total number of bed spaces – which cost between £400 to £1,300 per week – would be 95.

Mr Azam added: “I do not consider that the provision of an additional nine bed spaces within a facility that already contains 86 bed spaces will have a significant impact upon the amenities of the surrounding area.”