Multi-million pound plans have been approved 'at long last' to replace a former care home in Appleby with extra care housing to meet the needs of local elderly people.
The decision for the Oaklea Group to replace the former Edenside Care Home was decided at the last planning meeting of Eden District Council (March 16).
The plans will see the demolition of the 30-room care home, located at the west end of Holme Street, transforming it to place 16 extra care apartments alongside communal facilities.
The original consultation period began in November 2019.
Costs were originally cited to be much cheaper but due to rising costs and a long-time span since the idea's inception, prices have increased.
The original care home flooded during Storm Desmond in December 2015, when residents were moved to alternative accommodation which resulted in the premise's closure.
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The Environment Agency originally objected to the scheme but on 24 July 2020 withdrew their objection after consulting with engineers over issues such as flood protection.
The design and access statement considers the impact of the proposals: "The proposed redevelopment provides an opportunity to provide an established need for extra care housing in Appleby and the building enhances the conservation area by removing the old care home and providing a new building to meet the needs and expectations of the local population."
Clive Wigley, CEO Oaklea Group, said: "The Oaklea Group is delighted that, at long last, our planning application for the redevelopment of the former Edenside Care Home into some fantastic Extra Care Housing has received approval from the Planning Committee held on March 16, 2023 (subject to signing of a 106 Agreement).
"This project, when up and running, will give local people a much-needed housing resource for those in advancing years. Our development brings together desirable accommodation with varying levels of care and support to suit individual needs.
"We now look forward to progressing the development," he said.
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