Care home plans are approved

Last updated 19:50, Thursday, 14 August 2008

PLANS to build a new care home in Cockermouth have been given the go-ahead by Allerdale planners.

The proposal for the 60-bed home, in Europe Way, was lodged by G and J Sneddon.

The home, which will be next to the Travelodge, will be built subject to amendments to the plan by the Highways Agency.

Members of Allerdale council’s development panel were concerned about possible difficulties with access, manoeuvrability and parking around the proposed building.

There had been issues as to whether the area needed more care home beds after Cumbria County Council’s social care department said there was a limited market for a nursing home.

It was said that developers would “probably have to go beyond a seven-minute drive to fill it and draw business from neighbouring towns”.

The National Health Service said the bed numbers would probably exceed the needs of the town but the population attached to doctors’ practices was much higher, at about 16,500.

Despite this it was said that in a few years time the care home could be filled as more beds would be needed for elderly residents.

It was also noted that the care home would mean improved standards for residents.