72-room care facility at Former Caldew Hospital, Carlisle

What was proposed

The application sought a three-storey detached building providing 72 care rooms, communal areas, external works, retained access and on-site parking.

“The site is flanked on all sides by residential properties ranging from three storey terraced properties to two storey semi detached houses. The site is served by an existing access leading from Dalston Road.”

“The applicant seeks planning permission for the erection of a detached, three storey building that would provide 72 rooms that would be occupied as a care facility. The building would form an ‘H’ footprint on the site with the accommodation being to the front and rear. The middle connecting section for the building would be narrower and would serve communal areas.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.38-hectare former hospital site lies near Carlisle city centre, is surrounded by homes, uses an existing access and contains protected trees.

“The 0.38 hectare parcel of land is located on the site of the former Caldew Hospital, Dalston Road, Carlisle. The site is to the south-west of Carlisle City Centre within approximately 25 minutes walking distance.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier housing proposals were withdrawn or invalid, while outline permission for a 72-bedroom care home was granted in 2018.

“More recently, an application for outline planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of 16 three bedroom townhouses; 2 two bedroom houses and 4 two bedroom apartments was submitted in 2016 but withdrawn.”

“Outline planning permission was granted in 2018 for a proposed 72no. bedroom care home.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ concerns

Members discussed the building’s position, overlooking, window distances, neighbouring amenity and whether the building could be moved more centrally.

“A Member made reference to the passion from the objectors and asked if there was anything that could be done to lessen the pain for the neighbouring property and the impact of overlooking it would have. In response the Principal Planning Officer stated that Members had to decide whether or not the scheme was acceptable.”

“Members discussed the positioning of the building and suggested that it could have been located more centrally, this would elevate the overlooking and position of the windows and distance to neighbouring properties.”

Minutes