Final green light given for care village plans

PLANS to transform a former Barrow Gurney hospital into a care village and housing have been given the final go ahead.

North Somerset councillors voted unanimously last night (Wed) to approve the proposals for the site in Wild Country Lane, which was last used for a mental health hospital before it closed in 2006.

This will come as a relief to village leaders and residents, who have for many years worried about the future of the site.

The proposals were approved by North Somerset Council’s planning and regulatory committee.

North Somerset councillor for Barrow Gurney, Geoff Coombs, said: “I am very pleased that there is now a clear outcome on this.”

As part of the �16million plans, a care village for people aged 65 or over in need of care or support, will be created by redeveloping the former hospital buildings and constructing new facilities.

A core building will include 23 close care units, 38 linked assistant living units and communal facilities including a kitchen, restaurant, caf�, library, hairdresser and convenience shop.

A Wellness Suite will feature a swimming pool, gym, health studio and treatment rooms. These facilities will be available for the general public to use.

Separate detached buildings will include 98 assisted living units and a 56-bed dementia care unit. An area has also been allocated for a further 43 assisted living units.

The proposals have been compiled by English Care Villages, Midas Construction and the site owner Del Piero.

Their plans also include building 43 five-bed detached houses with garages.