Sarisbury Green care home bid will put 'strain on GPs'

LNT Care Developments is seeking consent to build a three-storey complex on land off Henry Road in Sarisbury Green.

The 1.8-acre site is next door to Fareham Community Hospital - but objectors fear the potential impact on family doctors.

One of the letters received by Fareham Borough Council says: "There is not need for yet another care home in the area, especially one that is three-storeys high and will dominate nearby homes.

"We are in dire need of more GP surgery capacity in the area.

"It is incredibly difficult to get a GP appointment at the Brook Lane surgery. With another 66 residents, many with very complex needs and requiring home visits, the situation will only get worse."

Campaigners are fighting plans to build a 66-bed care home at Sarisbury Green (Image: LNT Care Developments)

Concerns have also been raised by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, which says care home residents often have complex health needs.

"If there is already sufficient care home capacity within the area, then this development could lead to an increase in patients who will have higher than average health and care needs, which will place further pressure on GP surgeries in the vicinity of the proposed development."

The Fareham Society adds: "This is a matter that needs further explanation before the proposed development could be considered acceptable."

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But the application describes Henry Road as a "highly suitable" location for a care home.

"The site is located in close proximity to an array of amenities which would be utilised by staff and visitors. A number of eateries and retail stores are located within the immediate vicinity of the proposed development."

Objectors are urging Fareham Borough Council to reject the application (Image: Newsquest)

The application says Henry Road is near an established residential development.

It adds: "The design brief is to accommodate a new contemporary and innovative care home that exceeds the minimum applicable standards and makes a lasting positive impact on the local environment.

"LNT’s main objectives are to provide accommodation that facilitates a higher quality of life for residents than most conventionally designed facilities, within a building that is respectful of the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.

"The site will provide a much-needed health and social care/community service, whilst generating significant and important new employment opportunities locally.

"The proposal will have a positive impact upon the area by developing the site for a beneficial use that fulfils a need."

The Daily Echo asked LNT to respond to some of the criticisms made by objectors, but was told no-one was available for comment.