A CARE home in Chester has been granted extensions to increase the number of bedrooms and en-suite facilities it has.
Cheshire West and Chester Council planners have approved single-storey extensions at the Wealstone Care Home in Upton.
The extensions will increase the number of bedrooms at the home from 42 to 45 and provide en-suite facilities for every room.
The design and access statement, prepared on behalf of the home by Nicholson Nairn Architects, said: “All bedrooms are designed to include a wheelchair turning circle and access around all sides of the bed.
“Due to the limitations of the existing building, not all new en-suites are designed to have wheelchair turning circles however this has been included where possible. Most bedrooms have access to the outdoors to improve the well-being of the residents.
“The proposal intends to improve the existing care home facilities for residents by providing all rooms with en-suites and larger better connected lounge space.”
It adds: “The proposal provides three additional bedrooms for residents. Every effort has been made to ensure the care home is accessible for all users. The proposal seeks to improve the appearance of the building on approach by upgrading the materials to the main entrance.
“The new bedroom en-suite extensions have been designed as functional additions to the building that will not detract from the existing fabric.”
According to the plans the new lounge area will create a more central zone for socialising, providing a space for whole building social events.
This central space has been divided into zones, including tables for dining, playing games and working on crafts.
There is some area for social seating, two zones for watching TV and a quiet zone with armchairs.
The design and access statement adds: “All parts of the central lounge have good connection to the outdoor courtyards which is a considerable improvement on the existing situation.
“Seating will also be provided outdoors. The reduced size of the outdoor space should not have a negative impact on the users of the building. The courtyard at present is expansive, with a lot of unused space.
“It requires a large amount of maintenance and is not used anywhere near to its capacity. The new courtyards will be easily accessed from the lounge and dining spaces, creating a better connection to outdoors.”
The proposals have been approved by the council, with a planning officer report stating: “It is considered that the proposed development is in keeping with the character and appearance of the original building and the wider context, and would not cause undue harm to neighbouring amenity, highway safety, drainage, trees, or biodiversity.”
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