New plans are lodged to extend Staffordshire care home amid high demand for places

Plans have been lodged to build a 27-bedroom extension at a Staffordshire care home near Penkridge to cope with a growing demand for places.

Sandeep Geeranavar, of Wheaton Aston Home Ltd, has applied to South Staffordshire Council for permission to expand the Brighterkind Wheaton Aston Court Care Home, in Watling Street, in Ivetsey Bank.

The application stated that bricks and tiles matching the existing materials will be used for the project at the site overlooking the A5 near Weston-under-Lizard. There will also be an extra 10 parking spaces taking the total to 22 and six new cycle bays if the scheme is given the green light.

The design and access report stated: “Wheaton Aston Court handles approximately four to five inquires daily and estimates that between 100 and 150 people have not been offered care due to having insufficient bed spaces over the past 12 months. Waiting lists do not exist for any length of time as people seeking accommodation invariably need to find suitable places urgently.

“Sadly, due to residents passing away, the occupation rates for all homes vary on a weekly basis, however, as there is an ageing population both nationally and locally, the need for elderly care accommodation is growing rapidly. With the increasing need for elderly housing options, the proposed extension of this Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care home will significantly ease this pressure.”

“There is an increasing demand for care homes. An ageing population is a key component of the demographic profile. People aged over 85 are the fastest-growing part of the population which is undergoing a significant age shift.”

“This application proposes an extension to the existing home creating 27 en-suite bedrooms which will support both the local need, the wider community through authorities wishing to house older adults who require specialist care and treatment.

“It is registered with the Care Quality Commission and rated as good. Its 35 bedrooms are currently fully occupied.

“Wheaton Aston Court is a popular nursing home located just off the A5 between Redhill and Gailey and is a warm and inviting one-level residence, surrounded by scenic countryside. The home’s mission is to offer residents an excellent standard of living in comfortable, homely conditions and every effort is made to ensure a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in a home which is maintained in good order, comfortably furnished and attractively decorated.

“It holds contracts with multiple agencies including the NHS, both in and out of area social care authorities. It aims to provide residents with the highest possible standard of care. By taking the time to understand residents the home provides informed residential care 24 hours a day.“

The site currently has 31 bedrooms.

Objections and comments should be made to the council before April 10. A decision will be made by the planning committee at a later date.

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