84-bed care home at Parcel 5378 Hallatrow Road, Paulton, Bristol

The site and its setting

The unused parcel lies on Paulton’s western edge, beside open countryside and residential development, with hedgerows, vegetation and a five-and-a-half-metre slope.

“OFFICER ASSESSMENT This application relates to a parcel of land located to the west of Paulton, to the east of Hallatrow Road. To the north and west of the site lies open countryside of agricultural fields. The east and south comprise of build up residential development, including recently completed residential development to the east, delivered through site allocation.”

“The site is located outside of the housing development boundary which wraps around the site. The site also lies within the policy NE2 area of landscape setting.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no relevant planning history on this site.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, drainage, trees, archaeology and contaminated land raised no objections subject to conditions, while landscape and ecology officers raised concerns requiring safeguards.

“Highways: No objection subject to conditions…”

“Contaminated Land: No objection subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An agent supported the application, while a councillor’s statement opposed it because of care capacity, green infrastructure, trees and pressure on local surgeries.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed staffing, specialist care demand, alternative sites, access, public transport, housing supply, healthcare contributions and reserved matters before supporting the proposal.

“In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed: 1. It was not possible to give an exact number on the number of staff that would be employed as this would depend on the operator, but it was estimated to be between 70-80. 2. As there was no identified provider it was not possible to say if there would be a partnership with Bath College in relation to recruitment and training. 3. In terms of local need, there was a demand for specialist care e.g., dementia care. 4.”

“There would be an impact on local GP surgeries and therefore the NHS had requested a contribution of £38,684 towards capital works. 10. The external appearance and landscaping would be the subject of a reserved matters application.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to follow the officers’ recommendation was carried by eight votes to one.

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (8 in favour and 1 against).”

Minutes

The decision

Delegated authority was granted to permit the application, subject to a Section 106 agreement, conditions, dementia-care marketing and Natural England’s HRA acceptance.

“RESOLVED that officers be granted delegated authority to permit the application subject to: 1. A Section 106 Agreement to cover the following: a. 1x Fire Hydrant (£1,500 financial contribution) b. Targeted recruitment and training contribution (£7,040 contribution, 14 work placements, 2 apprenticeship starts 2 new jobs) c. Contribution to local care network £38,684. 2. The conditions set out in the report. 3.”

Minutes