Plans for care home in Berkhamsted criticised by town's golf driving range which will make way for it

Barchester Healthcare has submitted plans to Dacorum Borough Council for the demolition of the existing building associated with Berkhamsted Golf Range and the redevelopment of the site to provide a 70 bedroom care home catering for the elderly, infirm and those suffering with dementia, including associated access and landscaping works.

In the Design and Access statement submitted with the plans it says: "The proposed development is for the erection of a 2 storey, 70 bed care home, access, and landscaping at Spring Garden Lane, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 3GY. The project includes a range of services including day spaces and activity rooms.

"The design will be light, bright, spacious and homely with easy access to amenities including dining, lounges, bistro, cinema and hairdressing.

"All ground floor amenity areas and bedrooms will have direct access to external landscaped areas.

"The outdoor areas will be an attractive setting for residents as well as providing a better quality of life and well being

"This application is being submitted on behalf of Barchester Healthcare who have identified a need for elderly care in this area as part of a larger development.

"Barchester Healthcare are one of the leading developers in the care home sector and aim to provide facilities to meet the needs of the local community.

"Immediately south of the proposed site sits an existing Children’s Nursery and residential property. To the south east is the existing St Francis hospice.

"The proposed development has been carefully considered in terms of its use, scale and overall design to help compliment the surrounding buildings and landscaping, as well as provide an important function that is needed in the community."

In the planning statement submitted to Dacorum Borough Council, it says: "The proposed care home will provide 24 hour support and care for the frail and elderly, the home will be registered with the Care Quality Commission and will offer a full range of residential and dementia care services."

But, if the plans get the go ahead it would mean the demolition of Berkhamsted Golf Range.

John Porter, of Berkhamsted Golf Range, said: "Why would you demolish a very popular well used recreational facility to build a large brick-built building on the green belt in an area of outstanding natural beauty?

"There is no special need to build a care home on this site. In fact the site is poorly suited to this type of building.

"The main access is narrow with no footpaths and leads to another road with no footpaths and a 60 mph speed limit.

"There are no amenities or transport links within walking distance. This would be just one more extension of Berkhamsted into the green belt against the local green belt plan.

"The world has changed dramatically in the last 5 months as have the needs of the local residents.

"Many are still nervous of social contact inside, particularly the elderly and the range is the only place they feel safe to exercise and socialise.

"The range is not just used by regular golfers. It is also used by those returning to golf or taking up the game particularly post lock down.

"It is extensively used by families and grandparents with their children and grandchildren.

"Many users are non-golfers just getting some exercise or relieving the stress of the day. Hitting golf balls into the glorious Chiltern countryside is a great way to unwind!

"This month the range will see over 6000 visitors of all ages from 5 to 85.

"Many parents have expressed that going to the range is the only way they can get their children away from their computer screens.

"Covid 19 is not going away and if it mutates like the flu virus, we could be fighting this for a long time.

"Now more than ever is the time for people to get out and keep physically and mentally fit.

"Post lockdown we have seen a dramatic rise in customer numbers and so there is clearly a need now more than ever for a golf range on this site.

"The golf range will no longer be there and that will be a shame for all its members."

A spokesperson for Barchester Healthcare said: "We are excited about the proposition of bringing our ethos of high quality care in a beautifully designed environment to Berkhamsted.

"We always strive to be a positive addition to the community where there is a requirement for residential care and dementia care needs, allowing us to deliver a personalised offer for those that need it, and provide employment for those that are passionate about caring for others."

The Standard Consultation Expiry Date and the Neighbour Consultation Expiry Date is Tuesday, September 15.

To view the planning application visit, click here.