NEW plans have been submitted to demolish two houses and replace them with a care home in Ferndown - a year after permission was granted for a similar application.

The proposals for 14 to 20 Church Road seek to clear the site and build a 72-bed care home in a 'Renaissance' design.

The development comprises of a three-storey building, with 20 car parking spaces, six bicycle space, three disabled spaces and improvements to the site's access.

The application form submitted to East Dorset District Council proposes the care home will have 70 employees.

Applicants, Romford-based Churchgate Services, say the plans have been submitted after the building design in an approved development for the site, which was granted last year, did not meet "fundamental" building regulations and care standards.

The application to redevelop the area with a 69-bed care home was approved by East Dorset District Council's planning committee last December.

This followed the refusal of an 80-bed scheme in 2015.

After attempts to modify the existing design to correct the issues in the approved scheme, Churchgate Services say it is now necessary to submit a new full proposal.

A public consultation took place in October, which led to minor changes to the design of the development before the proposals were submitted to the council.

Each room in the care home includes an ensuite shower with level access, toilet and washbasin.

A design and access statement in support of the application says: "Over the last 17 years there has been a development in standard practice through shared experience within the industry as well as increasing expectations from residents.

"For example, at the time the standards were introduced it was considered adequate to have a payphone within the building, it is now considered essential for every resident to have access to telephone, broadband and multichannel TV within their own room.

"When people enter a care home as able bodied residents they wish to continue with the activities they were used to performing in daily life.

"This has led to the return of a layout similar to a private club or hotel that was last in fashion before the Second World War."

Residents can give their views on the scheme to the council up until Thursday, December 28.