Planning chiefs are studying proposals to build an 80-bed care home that aims to ease the growing shortage of places.
Brackley Investments is seeking consent to provide a two-storey complex on the old Ryehope Nursery site west of Lockswood Road in Warsash.
A planning statement that accompanies the application cites recent data relating to the UK's ageing population.
It says the number of residents aged over 65 has soared by more than 20 per cent in the past year, whereas the total of care homes has grown by less than three-per-cent.
The number of Fareham-area residents aged 85 or over is expected to rise by 84 per cent by 2037.
Backley Investments has unveiled plans to build an 80-bed care home at Warsash (Image: Brackley Investments)
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The statement says: "The proposed care home directly addresses this need and provides a critical facility for residents who require 24-hour care, particularly those with dementia and complex conditions.
"The average age of entry to C2 care homes is 80+ and the average length of stay around two years.
"Essentially this is really end-of-life care, akin to a hospice. Residents will largely be immobile and not capable of independent travel. Therefore new purpose-built care homes such as the proposed are self-contained, with all day-to-day facilities residents may require.
"The home is carefully designed to reflect a modern, homely, and functional environment.
"Internal communal areas are positioned to promote interaction among residents. The central core houses multifunctional spaces, including dining areas, lounges, a hair salon, and a café, ensuring a vibrant community feel.
"Staff areas are discreetly integrated, allowing for efficient operation without disrupting residents’ comfort.
"Construction will support local contractors and suppliers, whilst the operational care home will create up to 75 full-time equivalent jobs in nursing, care, catering, cleaning, and administration.
"The facility will alleviate NHS pressures by providing targeted care for residents with multiple care needs in a safe setting.
"By enabling older people to transition into care, the development frees up larger homes. This contributes to housing chain fluidity and supports the council’s broader housing strategy."
Brackley Investments is seeking consent to buIld an 80-bed care home and five houses at Lockswood Road, Warsash (Image: Brackley Investments)
The scheme includes five new homes on land beside the care home.
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Summing up, the statement says: "The proposed development represents a highly sustainable and wholly policy-compliant response to a pressing local need for specialist older persons’ accommodation."
Brackley's application has so far resulted in only two letters from the public, one of which attacks the housing element of the proposal.
It says: "I cannot imagine that a development of five properties would add anything of value to an already overdeveloped part of Warsash."
The other letter claims the care home would "further overload" a local GP surgery.
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