Plans for new care home in Markyate submitted to Dacorum Borough Council

Plans have been submitted to Dacorum Borough Council for a new 73-bedroom care home in Markyate.
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Berkley Care Group has applied for outline planning permission for the demolition of existing structures and redevelopment to provide a new 73-bedroom care home with associated access, car and cycle parking, structural landscaping and amenity space provision.

The site, which is currently a warehouse, is located off the main High Street/London Road, passing through Markyate.

In the Design and Access statement submitted with the plans to the council, it says: "Responding to the immediate surroundings, the scale and appearance of the scheme has been carefully selected to mirror the aesthetic features of the surrounding area, resulting in a three-storey, 73-bed residential care home.

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"Berkley Care Group are pleased to outline proposals for a new care home on land at 3 London Road, Markyate.

"This is the site currently occupied by an industrial warehouse operated by Marvin’s Magic Ltd. The current tenant intends to relocate to alternative premises in the local area

"Our proposal will provide high-quality care accommodation with 73 en-suite bedrooms offering specialist support and care for the frail elderly including the provision of dementia services.

"The scheme also includes spacious communal and amenity spaces, landscaped areas and sensory gardens and a total of 33 on-site parking spaces, with dedicated parking for ambulances and deliveries.

"The proposed scheme which is the subject of this pre-planning application has been designed to incorporate the following features: The scheme will enable the development of buildings which provide exemplar care accommodation.

"There is an ageing population both locally and nationally, and the need for elderly care accommodation is growing rapidly.

"This proposal will help to meet this need in the local community, which the operator has identified.

"The scheme creates a viable, modern care facility to meet the identified and increasing needs of the community.

"In a semi-rural area, the views of the site have been maximised, diverting the focus from the neighbouring residential properties, but into the secure gardens and courtyards provided which will be reinforced by a comprehensive landscaping scheme.

"Higher levels may be able to view the countryside beyond the immediate surroundings.

"To ensure privacy and security, the proposed building will be well screened by existing and implemented boundary planting.

"The overall character and aesthetic of the home will reflect the existing surrounding properties, enabling the home to comfortably sit within the streetscape, and consequently not becoming detrimental to the character of Markyate."

Berkley Care Group is an award winning care provider with four CQC 'outstanding' rated homes.