Plans lodged for 70-bed care home Listed Bridge of Allan building earmarked by developers
Most of a derelict listed building in a Bridge of Allan street could be demolished to create a new care home in the town.
Simply UK have submitted applications to Stirling Council planners to build the three-storey 70-bed residential care home at 103-105 Henderson Street.
The developers say they hope to retain elements of the C-listed building it in the new project.
One building on the site off Henderson Street, which dates back to the late 19th century, appears on Scotland’s Buildings At Risk Register where its condition is described as poor and it is categorised as “high risk”.
In documents submitted to the planners, agents for the developer said the project would be an “exemplar care development which enhances the Bridge of Allan Conservation Area, making use of the vacant plot, removing derelict buildings which currently detract from the character of the area”.
They added: “Modern purpose-built care homes that are leading the way in Scotland often have café, lounge, private dining and hairdressers. There is the particular opportunity here on the upper floors to take advantage of the outlook for the residents that are living in the home. This development offers easy access to local amenities and services and shall make an important contribution to providing much needed care supply within the area.
Simply UK currently have three operational care homes in Scotland employing 200 people, with one in Stirling, Oakshott House, scheduled to open this year.
The Bridge of Allan home would accommodate dementia, respite, palliative, convalescence and nursing care .
There would be 20 resident parking bays and two disabled parking bays.
The agents added: “Simply UK employ local people to work at their homes and they are encouraged, wherever possible, to walk, cycle or use public transport. Car sharing is also encouraged and Simply UK will also consider a mini-bus pick-up if demand exists for this. At other care homes, this ensures that only a third of the members of staff will bring a car to work on a daily basis.”
Of the properties to be demolished, one is listed and the other is not, however both are within the Bridge of Allan Conservation Area, on which the developers saying they are having a negative impact.
“The proposals seek to embrace and reuse the existing principle facade of the category C listed building,” said the agents. “The proposal seeks to carefully downtake the existing building and reutilise the retained stonework and features of the facade to incorporate within the proposed care home, thus retaining and celebrating our cultural history.
“Two accommodation wings running north to south envelope the central core. Back of house and staff facilities are retained to the rear of the building to maximise the outlook for the residents to the south, east and west. The third floor is a highly social area, with amenties such as: communal day rooms, lounges and private dining, together with the roof terrace taking advantage of the panoramic views to the south towards Stirling Castle.
The proposed design is carefully thought-out to respect the height of neighbouring buildings and their topography. There is a minimum separating distance of 18 metres between the proposed care home and the existing property to the west at 101 Henderson Street. The houses on the east have a greater distance, at approximately 23 metres.’’
Stirling Council planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course and comments can be lodged online meantime via the council’s planning portal.