Care firm scales back £10m home plan with fewer bedrooms to protect trees

PLANNING: City council to consider amended proposal before making call

Plans for a £10 million “state-of-theart” care home earmarked to replace a Dundee hotel have been scaled back.

Plans were submitted in December to redevelop The Cambustay on Dalhousie Road in Broughty Ferry.

Care UK, the company behind the plan, has reduced the number of bedrooms from 70 to 64 and brought down the building size, “predominantly” to protect more of the trees on site.

The company has also asked to be given the chance to explain the application to councillors.

It fears the redevelopment will not be “properly scrutinised” if a decision is made under delegated powers and not heard at the development management committee.

David Gannon, head of acquisitions at Care UK, said in a letter to the planning department the scheme will provide extensive “socio-economic benefits” at a time when the city’s finances are being hit hard.

He said: “We hope these benefits are not sacrificed for a small number of trees that will be replanted in any case.”

The Cambustay Hotel has existed in some form — either as a hotel, pub, or restaurant — since the 1850s.

The owners, Reid Properties, announced it would close in January – citing increased competition in the area.

The revised 64-bed application, a joint proposal by Care UK and Reid Properties, is currently being readvertised and consulted upon.

The building will be demolished if the plans are approved with a new facility built specialising in care for people with dementia.

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “The amended proposal will be fully assessed having regard to the council’s Local Development Plan and other relevant material planning considerations.”

The property would be demolished and replaced with a new facility, if plans are approved.