DLBP is extremely proud to have secured planning permission on behalf of our long-standing client, Care UK, to redevelop one of its existing homes in the village Copthorn, Mid Sussex, and provide a new, high-quality 78 bedroom care home.
DLBP first assisted Care UK by undertaking a planning appraisal of the potential to redevelop its existing care home so to provide improved care accommodation, including specialist dementia care facilities.
Following our positive appraisal, we then proceeded to prepare an application for a replacement home that met and exceeded Care UK’s high standards. Key improvements included larger bedrooms and en-suite wet rooms and enhanced internal layouts and facilities, as well as the planting of 18 trees and biodiversity net gain of 28% for habitats and enhanced walkability through the site for the local community.
During the preparation of the planning application, key local stakeholders and residents raised concerns about the impact of demolishing the existing building. To address these concerns, we worked closely with PLMR and provided clear justification around this matter, presented the scheme at a Design Review Panel, and maintained meaningful engagement throughout the application process. As a direct result of this, no public objections were received to the application and we successfully resolved all technical matters with very little additional information having to be provided during the assessment period.
Having received a recommendation for approval, the application was heard at the District Planning Committee and approved by an overwhelming majority following our Associate Director, Amy Paterson, presenting a compelling case to Members.
It was a pleasure to work alongside Mid Sussex District Council, KWL Architects, SLR Consulting, PLMR, and HPC to secure this approval. We are very excited to see this care home built out and congratulations again to the entire project team!