RESIDENTS have given a mixed response to plans to build a care home on the edge of Whitchurch.

Plans were recently submitted to Shropshire Council for a 68-bed residential, nursing and dementia care home on land in Wrexham Road, adjacent to Aldi.

The plans have been submitted by developers Liberty Care Developments and Anavo, who say the proposed care home will provide ‘exceptional’ facilities and a range of specialist care for local elderly people near their family and friends, with built-in infection control measures that many older care homes cannot provide.

The plans are currently open to public consultation, and as Waterfront View is the nearest housing estate to the proposed development, the Herald spoke to residents.

Views on the development are mixed, with some residents in favour, believing the care home is a sign of progress, whereas others are less sure, with fears over the impact on traffic and views.

Alan Allman was one of those in favour of the development, although he admitted that the construction of a health centre would be a bigger priority.

He said: “I’m not against it.

“It’s a pity it’s not for a health centre though. That might be best for the town.

“It’s going to cost millions, which I know is a lot but it’s just progress.

“I can’t see anything against it.”

The Fleet family were also not bothered by the development, although Mrs Fleet admitted that those closer to the development might have a problem.

“We don’t mind it going there,” she said. “I know some people have asked what the developer’s plans are.

“The ones who see it may have a problem but we don’t mind it being built.”

However one resident of Waterfront View, who did not wish to be named, expressed concerns over the potential traffic issues the development would create.

“I’m concerned about the traffic from residents and the road,” she said.

“Cars come fast from the bypass and although they have talked about extending the 30mph zone it hasn’t happened yet.

“There have been a few near misses from Aldi already.”

Shropshire County Council will determine the application, with a decision expected to be made in the coming months.

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website, using the application reference 20/03529/FUL.

Anyone who would like to find out more details about Liberty Care Developments proposal can contact a member of the project team by emailing feedback@consultation-online.co.uk or visiting the project website www.libertywhitchurch.consultationonline.co.uk