66-bedroom care home at Devereux House, Farnborough

“- Demolition of existing building, with the exception of the façade of the principal element of the original building on the site, which is to be retained and incorporated into the new building - Construction of part two/three storey building, with accommodation in the roofspace to provide new 66 bedroom care home, within use Class C2 for provision of care to the elderly - New building to retain the original building façade and be constructed to the south of the site, aside…”

“- 22 parking spaces proposed in total, including two disabled bays and two with electric vehicle charging points, plus three dedicated parking spaces for 69a and 69b Albert Road (one each plus on shared visitor space) - Substation and cycle store to front, near to the boundary with 73 Albert Road - Solar panels and rooftop plant - Refuse store and maintenance compound alongside the rear boundary with 67 Albert Road (Bevan Lodge) - Removal of one tree group (not protected)…”

“The application site is located on the southern side of Albert Road, Farnborough and is host to a locally listed detached two storey building (with roofspace accommodation) which was, until December 2020, in use as a residential care home and day centre.”

“The site was developed in three major phases, firstly as a private residence, constructed c1914, and known as Rosemachie. That building was subsequently converted into a cottage hospital and was opened as the Farnborough and Cove War Memorial Hospital in 1922 by Earl Haig. The building was then extended to the east in 1933 (completed 1934) with a further wing to the west added by 1963.”

“The proposal would provide 66 new residential care bed spaces (net gain of 50) in a purpose- built development designed to meet the requirements set by the Care Quality Commission. The proposal would bring an existing vacant site back into use, redeveloping previously developed land and enabling the continued provision of residential care in a sustainable location in the Borough.”

“The proposed development would result in the substantial demolition of a locally listed building, which would harm the significance of the non-designated heritage asset through the loss of original built fabric and this weighs against the granting of planning permission.”

“During discussion, Members raised questions regarding the potential loss of privacy for neighbouring properties, the possibility of badger activity on the site and parking arrangements. Detailed discussion of the impact on neighbouring properties primarily No.73 Albert Road was held. It was proposed and agreed to add an additional condition regarding the obscure glazing of 4 windows on the eastern elevation of the building which faced directly onto No.73 Albert Road.”

“(i) the recommendation be amended to include a revised condition to secure the use of obscure glazing for the four bedroom windows on the first and second floors on the eastern elevation, at the northern end of the building;”

“(ii) an informative be included to ensure that the continued absence of badgers is confirmed prior to development starting and outlining the necessary steps that need to be taken should badgers be identified; and…”

“(iii) the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to GRANT planning permission, subject to a Section 106 Agreement.”