Shrewsbury care home plan set to bring 58 jobs

Nexus Planning, on behalf of Frontier Estates, has applied to Shropshire Council to build a three-storey care home on land off Shillingston Drive in Battlefield.

The same type of development was previously approved in 2012, but as the development was not built, the planning consent has now lapsed.

Frontier Estates bought the site earlier this year and has submitted the current application which is an updated version of the original scheme.

The site, which covers about 0.8 hectares of land, is part brownfield and part greenfield as there is an existing detached dwelling.

Under the plans, the existing dwelling and outbuildings would be demolished and a three storey 87-bed care home would be built, with associated day space, kitchen, laundry and administrative accommodation.

A car park with 55 spaces would be provided.

The development would generate the equivalent of 58 full time jobs for local people.

The site fronts onto Shillingston Drive, a residential road which serves existing and proposed housing to the south east of the site.

The plans say: "Development in this location would be consistent with the existing built up area along Shillingston Drive to the immediate east, Archery Fields, and the Battlefield Court apartment development to the immediate west.

"It is considered that the site is in a sustainable location and is accessible by various modes of transport. The surrounding area exhibits good levels of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and there are a number of public transport opportunities within acceptable walking distances of the site; and/or within multi-modal connectivity."

The materials would be a mix of brick or stone with timber cladding to rooms with balconies to provide a "softer feel".

The proposed access would be a priority controlled T-junction that is situated slightly to the east along the site frontage onto Shillingston Drive.

It is proposed that the current access track which permits access onto Battlefield Road will be retained as a secondary route to the rear of the development, but will be gated to prevent frequent use.

The plans conclude: "The proposals will see the delivery of a high quality residential care development in a highly sustainable location.

"It has been demonstrated that a three-storey 87-bed care home could be provided to respond to locally identified need and will contribute towards national and local policy objectives to create sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities."

A decision will be made on the plans in coming months.