The care home will have 80 bedrooms and is expected to create 90 jobs
A councillor has voiced his disappointment at the approval of plans for a new care home in his ward which he described as a “big lump”. The proposed three-storey care home is set to be located on land north of Elm Friars Close in Stanground.
It is expected to create 90 jobs. According to the planning application submitted by Hoama Group Ltd, the new facility will feature a range of communal spaces, a hair and beauty salon, library/games room, cinema and bar area, and a shop selling small gifts.
Peterborough City Council planners decided to grant the application on Thursday, December 11, despite 13 objections from local residents as well as ward councillor Chris Harper.
Cllr Harper, who is leader of Peterborough First, raised concerns around the size of the proposed building and the pressure it could create on local medical facilities.
After the application’s approval, Cllr Harper told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I’m not against the care home, we need care facilities.
“But I just think in this particular area it is too tall, too big and too overpowering as I put in my letter to the officer. What it is doesn’t matter. It’s the fact that it’s a big lump.”
Cllr Harper said he was not considering calling in the decision to go before a committee because he didn’t think it would be possible due to a previous application of a similar height being approved.
He said: “I’m disappointed for the people that weren’t happy about it, but [planning officers] have gone through the process and they believe it’s OK and acceptable.”
In response to height concerns, planning officers said it had been demonstrated that the height of the proposal, including the plant enclosure on the roof, would be similar to a previously permitted scheme. This meant officers did not think the building would be at odds with the character and appearance of the area.
A case officer report also noted that the applicant had confirmed it would be prepared to contribute £34,805 towards the NHS, which would go towards existing primary healthcare within the local area.
“The proposal is considered to be in accordance with the relevant policies within the Peterborough Local Plan (2019) and the National Planning Policy Framework (2024),” the report stated.
