2 days ago
Plans for 62-bed care home and assisted living village at former garden centre
PLANS have been lodged to build a 62-bed care home with 48 assisted care properties at an abandoned garden centre.
Care South, a not-for-profit care provider, has applied to BCP Council to approve a full planning application seeking the redevelopment of the former Oaks Garden Centre as a care village.
Located off Queen Anne Drive in Merley, the plans include older persons accommodation with specialist residential care and dementia care facilities.
A design and access statement prepared by Corstorphine & Wright, on behalf of Care South, said: 'The redevelopment would make the best use of a brownfield site within the green belt to help fulfil the urgent need for specialised older persons' accommodation in the local area.
'The site would also meet the definition of a 'grey belt' site as defined in the latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework."
Care South acquired the former Oaks Garden centre site in 2023 with the purpose of redeveloping it to provide a range of accommodation for older people with care to serve the local area.
The care provider has an existing portfolio of 15 care homes, eight of which are located in the Bournemouth, Poole and the Ringwood area.
The site is located on the southern side of Queen Anne Drive adjacent to the urban area of Merley.
It connects to Gravel Hill to the west and Ringwood Road to the east. The site covers 1.64ha hectares and is categorised as previously developed land within the green belt
The site has two existing vehicular accesses from Queen Anne Drive, which previously served the garden centre.
The site has a lengthy planning history, with past permissions for uses including retail, business, scaffolding storage, and various structures now deemed lawful through long-term use.
In recent years, unauthorised activities such as car sales, coach repairs and vehicle washing led to complaints and enforcement action.
Care South purchased the site in 2023, and it is now vacant.
The applicant says the proposed redevelopment offers a chance to meet local need and improve the appearance of the area.
Adding: 'The proposal will provide much needed accommodation and will improving the aesthetic approach to Merley.'
