Tycoons to build new care home after deadly fire
Backlash over blaze that killed 14 OAPs
THE owners of a care home where 14 OAPS died in a fire hope to build a new one near the scene.
Thomas Balmer, wife Anne and their son Alan ran Rosepark Care Home where the 2004 fire began in a cupboard.
A fatal accident inquiry into the blaze in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, ruled that casualties could have been avoided if suitable fire safety measures had been in place at the time.
Now it has emerged that their company, Balmer Developments, is seeking planning permission for a 61-room facility in Bothwell on the former WJ Harte civil-engineering site.
The family has lodged plans for a three-storey facility, with a cinema and hairdressing salon.
They own other care homes in Uddingston and Coatbridge in a multi-million-pound business empire.
A 141-day inquiry into the disaster 13 years ago found that ‘some or all’ of the deaths could have been prevented had there been a contingency plan.
Two unsuccessful attempts were made to prosecute the Balmers following the deaths.
John Lappin, whose mother Margaret, 83, was among the victims, said the new proposals were not unexpected.
Mr Lappin, of Bellshill, Lanarkshire, added: ‘I have tried to put them out of my life since it happened in 2004.
‘This news isn’t really that much of a shock to me.
‘I don’t think any of the families were happy with what happened with the inquiry, but I now try to not even think about them and get on with my life.’
The detailed plans before South Lanarkshire Council have triggered complaints from residents who warn of congestion and want to pre- serve a Victorian building on the site.
Gary Sharp wrote: ‘This construction is completely out of character and will result in a dangerous level of traffic on a bend that is blind.
‘The building is of a very attractive sandstone and efforts should be made to retain the structure.’
Another resident, Jan McCrone, criticised the design, saying: ‘We have no three-storey buildings anywhere else in Bothwell.
‘To propose one in a quiet neighbourhood is preposterous.’
George Waterston said: ‘It is regrettable that there is to be further loss of our heritage – the village will lose this imposing Victorian building.’
A car park is also planned for 29 vehicles.
The Balmers did not respond yesterday when asked to comment.
‘Their plans come as no surprise’