Council officials have approved plans to demolish a care home in Helensburgh and replace it with a new 30-bedroom building featuring a gym and cinema.
The proposal for the Argyle Care Home, on West Argyle Street, was first revealed in September 2022 when it was submitted to Argyll and Bute Council planners.
Four objections had been received, along with one expression of support and one representation.
The authority’s official have now awarded planning permission, citing no reason to recommend that the plans were refused.
A handling report states that the application is similar to a previous one but for three rather than two storeys ‘to meet with current requirements and guidelines’.
It adds: “The proposal is therefore supported in principle given it is redevelopment within an existing settlement, so the main determining issues are design, siting, impact on the adjacent conservation area, trees, access, sustainable transport and parking.
“The existing original care home is a traditional property; however over the years it has seen various alterations and additions (e.g. poor quality conservatory to the south elevation and various side extensions) which has contributed to a loss of some of its character and charm.
“It is however noted that this building is no longer fit for purpose and already has a live permission to be demolished.”
The official added: “The replacement with an alternative that would be of a modern design that would be fit for purpose would enhance the wider setting and would tie in with the surrounding area for actions strategic requirements for regeneration and enhancement.
“Lastly, it is considered that the replacement with a new care home facility will tie in aesthetically with the existing retained modern care home facility that occupies the south of the overall site and therefore bring a more uniform appearance to the overall development within the site.”
When the plans were first revealed, a design and access statement said: “The building layout has been set in such a way as to provide ‘neighbourhoods’ of 10 residents which can further be subdivided into smaller groups to reflect the needs of residents.
“This reflects current Care Inspectorate guidance on best practice.
“These neighbourhoods are ordered over three accommodation levels with supporting accommodation including activity rooms, lounges, gym, cinema room, dining rooms and quiet rooms appropriately located for ease of access for all residents.
“Supporting accommodation including kitchen, laundry, and storage have been located at ground floor level so they are screened by the existing boundary walls.”
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