By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
A former Hucknall care home will be turned into facilities for people with brain injuries after the plans were approved by councillors at the third time of asking.
Crossover Consulting and PM Limited had initially submitted proposals to turn the former 16-bed Elm Tree Rest House, on Ogle Street, into a 20-bed house in multiple occupancy (HMO).
However, councillors on Ashfield District Council’s planning committee deferred the plans at March and April meetings over concerns about how the site would be managed and the amount of space available to its residents.
Objections were raised over the number of proposed bedrooms and the amount of relaxation space for residents. The applicant was also criticised for not providing a suitable management plan.
But the developer has now come back to the authority with a full management plan and has also taken members of the committee on a site visit to explain the long-term plan for the home.
Under amended plans, the number of bedrooms has been reduced from 20 to 18, while quiet relaxation and consultation rooms have been added to support residents while recovering from their injuries.
The latest committee meeting, on Wednesday (July 20), heard the building has recently become the target of anti-social behaviour and drug use, with the applicant urging the council to approve the plans and put this to an end.
James Cross, the applicant, spoke during the meeting about how the site will be managed and addressed how the building will be looked after while remaining in its current condition.
He said there will be contact details displayed for the future operator in case of an emergency, while there are plans to set up a community liaison group with neighbouring homes that have raised concerns about the HMO plan.
“The management plan will be linked to the site’s operator and, should the operator change, this will need to be updated to reflect it,” he added.
“It will also still be subject to housing and licensing regimes and Ashfield District Council will be the licensing authority in this – giving another mechanism for the council to check the acceptability of the property.”
The full management plan will need to be submitted and approved now members of the committee have given the application planning permission.
On the current state of the building and the need for it to be revamped, Mr Cross added: “We’ve had some break-ins and drug use and that has further increased out of the back, adding to the current anti-social behaviour.
“In my opinion, the sooner this can be brought back to residential use and managed properly, the better for all residents involved.”
The plans were given approval by eight votes to one, with councillors thanking Mr Cross for addressing their concerns and for holding the site visit.
Councillor Lauren Mitchell (Lab), who represents Hucknall South, said: “The applicant has complied with us on every concern we’ve had and that doesn’t make me concerned for the future.
“I did have concerns in the original application but, again, they have addressed these concerns and I think this can only help people.”
Cllr Samantha Deakin (Ash Ind), who represents Central Sutton and New Cross, added: “Everything we asked for and were concerned about have been addressed.
“This is particularly the case with people having space, being able to get away from everything and having a quiet area – especially when they’re recovering from traumatic injuries and they need that time where you can be alone.
“They have listened and taken into account what we’re saying, and what’s happening to the property at the moment can’t continue.”
A previous meeting heard staff would visit the site throughout the day to help and provide in-house care for some of the residents, but would not be on-site 24 hours a day.
The staff would have access to a limited number of on-site car parking, while people visiting their relatives at the home would be expected to use nearby car parks in the town centre.
