PLANS for a new, 70-bed care home in the centre of Chard have been submitted.

The scheme would see vacant buildings at the 0.76-hectare site, to the rear of 12-20 East Street, demolished to make way for the new home.

Previously, the site was home to a plant nursery/market garden, and there are former warehouse buildings and a wool store on the site.

Plans have been submitted by Frontier Estates (Chard) Ltd.

Previously, in 2017, an application for 78 residential units on the site was approved and the applicant says this shows the location is suitable for such a development.

"The proposal seeks to deliver a comprehensive and high-quality redevelopment scheme that can contribute positively to the council's spatial vision for regeneration in Chard, and to the need for housing and extra care units in South Somerset," documents said.

As well as the 70-bed building, the application includes:

  • Vehicular and pedestrian access from the main entrance in East Street
  • Further pedestrian access adjacent to the Happy Return pub
  • A 35-space car park
  • Landscaping
  • Demolition of the vacant buildings

Chard & Ilminster News: PLANS: How the new care home in the centre of Chard could look

"The residential home will cater for elderly people with needs such that they require nursing care," the application goes on.

"70 bedrooms are proposed across three floors. Each bedroom is to have an en-suite bathroom.

"Residents' lounges are proposed on each floor, with terraces on the first and second floors, and each floor has a residents' dining room."

As well as those facilities for residents - as well as a cinema space and library - the application also says there will be a cafe and a hair and beauty salon which are also open to the public.

A consultation leaflet was distributed to residents earlier this year.

The application will now be considered by South Somerset District Council. People can comment on the application online at www.southsomerset.gov.uk, using the application reference 21/00927/FUL.