Plans to turn Christchurch care home into 20 bed hostel

BCP Council has requested the former Queensmead care home in Bronte Avenue is changed into a temporary 20 bed hostel for a period of up to five years.

Since submitting the application for the site on Thursday, March 9, the local authority has faced an influx of objections from residents and elected leaders.

The plans are described as ‘lacking detail’, and do not state who would move into the hostel, resulting in mass speculation amongst residents.

The Daily Echo spoke to residents of Bronte Avenue on Monday morning, many of whom were concerned it would be used to house ex-offenders.

One said: "This is not the right place for it, especially with the schools near and the amount of kids that walk past everyday. It's a safeguarding issue."

However, by Monday afternoon, BCP Council had said the hostel would be used to house the homeless. 

The former care home building off Bronte Avenue (Image: NQ)

Cllr Margaret Phipps said she had been contacted by a number of “concerned” residents since the hostel plans were submitted. 

She noted the "vague" application had caused a "huge amount of speculation and concern".

Cllr Phipps said: “Quite rightly, residents have been asking if anyone with a history of substance dependency or having been placed on a register might be put there.

“Their legitimate concern is that Queensmead is so close to several schools and right in the heart of a community full of young families.”

Cllr Phipps added she had spoken to BCP Housing and Planning and was told a management document giving further information on the hostel will be published this week.

A property in Anne Close which is overlooked by the former care home (Image: Resident)

Queensmead care home has been empty since March 2022 when a storm damaged its roof and residents were moved out.

The site is now back under BCP Council ownership.

The Daily Echo approached the local authority to ask who the hostel would accommodate.

Their spokesperson said: “It is Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s vision to end homelessness in the area and give everyone a safe place to live that they can call home.  

“When placing residents in settings, careful assessment of their suitability is made prior to each placement. Considerations including local sensitivities and client personal risk assessments are all circumstances which are considered. 

"Queensmead has been identified as a suitable site for providing temporary accommodation for those in immediate need and will reduce dependency on bed and breakfast accommodation."