Nod given to care home
Plans to transform a care home in Quarter into a residential facility for adults with learning disabilities have been approved by the council.
Alterations to the Duchess Nina Care Home on Limekilnburn Road, which had previously been a care home for elderly people, will see new access ramps and a summer house built as well as a reduction in the number of bedrooms.
Some Quarter residents had objected to the plans because of the site’s proximity to Quarter Primary, the proposed 2.4m fence and the potential change of use.
However, Hamilton area manager for planning and building standards services, Bernard Darroch told South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, December 17, that the development was “acceptable from a land use perspective”.
He added that the proposal “does not constitute a change of use” as the former care home was still to be used as a care home.
This was reaffirmed by Pauline Elliot, head of planning and economic development who said: “Any party could move in and operate a care home.
“If there had not been the number of objections this would have been dealt with by delegated authority.”
Mr Darroch also said that the fence was “not typically larger than other boundaries” and that it “would not be prominent from the main road”.
Councillor Jackie Burns (Larkhall) conveyed the concerns of constituents who had contacted him about the changes and added that some members of the community were disappointed with the lack of engagement with the applicant, Cygnet Health Care.
He then added that “the infrastructure in Quarter is not what is was 10 years ago” which could in turn cause problems for the home’s residents.
Cllr Burns felt it would have been appropriate to consult NHS Lanarkshire and the council’s social work department on the application.
The Care Inspectorate were contacted regarding the application but no response was received.
Fellow Larkhall councillor Richard Nelson objected to the application.
Cllr Andy Carmichael (Larkhall) had intended to make a representation to the committee on behalf of his constituents but was unable to attend following a family bereavement.
On his behalf, Cllr Graeme Scott (East Kilbride East) asked whether access to the sensory garden would be maintained for Quarter Primary pupils.
Mr Darroch said that “if it has been a long standing agreement, I wouldn’t anticipate any problems” but that it was for the school and Cygnet to work out.