PLANS have been submitted for a new 64-bed care home on the land in Wimborne.

Permission was formerly granted in January 2019 to develop a retail unit on the site to south of Leigh Road, but this was not constructed.

The plans for the care home, submitted by Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton, consists of three floors which have disabled access bathrooms and two lounge and dining areas.

There are 21 bedrooms on the ground floor, 25 on the first and 18 on the third, all of which are en suites.

The bedrooms vary in size from 17m2 to 20.8m2.

Two communal garden areas are included in the plans, and 19 parking bays will be provided to the east of the building.

The application states: “The proposed development will make beneficial use of this site to deliver high quality assisted living accommodation which will make a significant contribution toward meeting the housing and social care needs of the area and, in particular, those of Dorset’s ageing population.

“The height and scale of the development is appropriate to the immediate and surrounding buildings, landscaping and open space, ensuring that the development sits comfortable within its surroundings.”

Barratt David Wilson Homes say the application coincides with the market report submitted by Knight Group in April 2018 which claimed there was a significant demand for care beds within a 10-minute drive time of Leigh Road and a new development would help satisfy that demand.

Plans were also previously approved for 305 residential dwellings and the application states that this care home, which will be adjacent to the dwellings, will contribute to the creation of a sustainable community.

The first floor will have two balconies while the second floor will have four roof terraces and a residents will have access to a nail salon on the ground floor.

Wimborne Town Centre is within walking distance of the site which means the residents will have access to a number of shops and services.

So far, the application has received no opposition, and Highways England had no objection to the plans.