PLANS to flatten a former care home and build a block of more than 20 flats in Highcliffe have been approved.

The redevelopment proposals from Burry & Knight for the site in Waterford Road, which previously operated Newtown House nursing home, feature bulldozing the current building and replacing it with a three-storey structure.

The scheme will deliver 23 flats and was approved by BCP Council’s planning department under delegated powers.

Eleven objections were submitted by residents but the overall proposal was welcomed by Highcliffe and Walkford Neighbourhood Council members.

BCP Council planning officer Kevin Chilvers’s report said: “The proposed development would make a contribution of 23 dwellings, which would have benefits in terms of boosting the supply of housing, contributing to a choice of homes, making use of a previously developed site in a location that has good access to a range of services and facilities.

“There would also be economic benefits associated with the construction phase and with regard to the future occupation of the properties.”

The new residential block will include six one-bed, 14 two-bed and three three-bed flats, with on-site parking.

A statement by Chapman Lily Planning on behalf of the developers said: “Overall it is considered that the proposed layout, scale and appearance of the building and landscape of the site make efficient use of the site and have been carefully designed to respect the features and characteristics which are key to maintaining the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

As reported, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) launched an investigation at Newtown House in January 2019 after incidents relating to the safe management of medicine and an unexpected death.

Four months later the home closed, despite no enforcement action being taken.

The CQC confirmed to the Christchurch Times that the registration for Newtown House nursing home was cancelled on May 15, 2019.

After this point it became illegal for care to be provided at the home. The January inspection delivered an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’, with the CQC having some areas of concern.

The inspector’s published report said: “Risks to people had not always been assessed, monitored or reviewed.

“Medicines were not always administered safely. A person had received an incorrect dose and the persons GP and the local safeguarding team had not been informed. That meant any associated safety risks had not been considered by the appropriate professionals.”