Planners recommend approval of care home and Co-op in Reepham

A planning application for a new 60-bed care home in Reepham has been recommended for approval by planning officers of Broadland District Council.
 

 
The plans for the former station yard off Cawston Road/Stony Lane include a Co-op convenience store and offices, as well as 35 assisted flats and bungalows.
 
The application is due to be decided at the next meeting of Broadland’s planning committee on Wednesday 9 January, with officers recommending it for approval.
 
While Reepham Town Council unanimously agreed to support development of the 2.75-hectare site in accordance with the Development Plan and supports the provision of care facilities in the town, it has raised concerns about access to and from site, as well as the scale of the care home and assisted flats and the impact the development could have on the doctor’s surgery.
 
Concerns have also been expressed that the care home/village could have an impact on the Marriott’s Way long-distance footpath and heritage trail.
 
Broadland District Council received more than 45 comments on the plans from members of the public.
 
However, the council’s case officer for the planning application stated: “It is considered that the development of a care village, food store and offices are appropriate with the settlement limit and will provide significant employment opportunities within the Reepham area.
 
“It will also enable the development of an unused and undeveloped site, which has a longstanding allocation on it, to be brought forward.
 
“Whilst it is noted there is some conflict with the site allocation, it is considered on balance that the scheme is acceptable subject to the imposition of conditions and the completion of a Legal Agreement to ensure the care village remains within Use Class C2, residential institution accommodation.”
 
Download the 9 January 2019 Planning Committee papers (application no. 20180963 starts on page 5).
 
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Images: CAM Architects
 

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