Care home to create 80 jobs

4:20pm Friday 21st November 2008

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A PROPOSED care home for elderly people would bring more than 80 jobs to Wootton Bassett, according to a developer.

The three-storey home, which would have 60 ensuite bedrooms, is proposed for the former St Ivel factory site.

The home would care for pensioners with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or those needing general nursing.

Castleoak is holding a consultation today to get residents’ views on the proposal and says the development would create more than 80 jobs.

The care home construction company, which has built 120 care homes around the country, said there is a shortage of care beds in Wootton Bassett.

It warns the shortfall will get worse, as the population ages and the majority of care homes don’t provide nursing or dementia care – which are needed in the area.

Councillor Peter Roberts said initial impressions of the proposal are welcome if it brings more jobs.

“We have had a presentation on the proposal,” he said.

“On the face of it, it is definitely something we are looking at. If it brings employment to the town, it is great. It is something that should be considered very seriously at planning stage.

“It is difficult to comment on the building until I see the plan but the principle is good.”

A number of other applications have been approved on the site off Station Road. Planning permission has been given for about 250 dwellings already.

Land has also been allocated for commercial use and permission for a two-storey office building has been granted.

Castleoak is inviting residents to come along to the consultation.

“When we prepare planning applications we always consult with local communities, by sharing our proposals and listening to their views ahead of making our final submissions,” said a company spokesman.

Castleoak has had initial discussions with the local authority and prepared designs but has not applied for planning permission yet.

Today’s consultation will take place between 10am and 7pm at the Memorial Hall in Station Road, Wootton Bassett.