A care home for 75 people will be built on land off Marston Road despite local objections.
Plans for the two-storey care home were submitted last year and include the construction of an electrical substation, parking, and alterations to existing access. The application was approved at Somerset Council’s Planning Meeting East on 3rd February.
Residents and councillors raised concerns about the size and scale of the development overlooking neighbouring properties, light spill, flooding and environmental risks, excess traffic, inadequate parking, and access for emergency vehicles.
‘Rising demand’
Adult Social Services said the care home would meet a ‘rising demand’ from an aging population.
It said, “There are currently no empty care homes or sites which could be identified as an alternative option. Around 22–25% of Frome’s population is aged 65+, higher than the national average of 19%. The number of older adults in Frome has steadily increased over the past two decades, with projections suggesting continued growth through 2035.
“The data suggests the addition will help meet rising demand from an aging population, but local consultation is necessary to ensure it benefits the community.”
‘Not convinced’
However, Cllr Shane Collins said he was ‘not convinced’ of the rising need, noting that Frome Care Village was due to undergo a £1 million refurbishment adding 60 beds.
The Integrated Care Board said that if there is already sufficient care home capacity in the area, the development could increase the number of patients with higher-than-average health and care needs, putting further pressure on nearby GP surgeries.
Cllr Martin Dimery said the matter of provision in Frome was ‘very important,’ after he was ‘appalled’ when a care home in his ward was threatened with closure 18 months ago, which would have forced residents with life-threatening illnesses to move 30 miles away.
Somerset Councillors for Frome, Cllr Helen Kay and Cllr Shane Collins, objected citing concerns about noise from the electrical substation.
Several residents supported the proposal, highlighting the jobs it would create and the benefit of allowing elderly residents with illnesses to remain in Frome.
The developer urged Somerset Council to approve the plans, saying the care home would ensure residents are not forced into facilities outside the town.
Pictured: Artist’s impression of the care home approved for Marston Road
