Flats plan for estate

New flats could be created in Plean from a building once owned by the William Simpson Home charity.

Randolph Investments have submitted planning and listed building applications to convert the former care home building off Main Street into 14 flats. The plans also involve partial demolition in a central courtyard.

The home confirmed this week that the proposals will not impact their own operation within the estate.

Operations manager Zoe Nolan said: “In January 2017 William Simpsons sold the empty building (that was replaced by the new home) to Randolph Investments therefore the application relates to the building we vacated in 2012 and sold in 2017. Our care home and respite and day care centre are fully operational and will remain so.”

William Simpson’s Home offers specialised care for people of various ages, who suffer from mental illness, much of which is alcoholrelated dementia. Founded in the early 1800s to help such cases in ex-servicemen. It has now extended its service group, mainly referred by social services, but around a fifth are still former Services personnel.

As well as 64 residents in eight flats in their modern building, the home also offers respite and day care in a separate building, dating back to 1835.

Individuals can access all the activities and therapies in the residential home and also enjoy spending time outdoors in the extensive grounds.