By ROBERT GIBSON robert.gibson@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated at 12:12, Friday, 27 February 2009

PLANS are under way for a 44 bedroom nursing home in Mickley Square.

The proposals, submitted to Tynedale Council, would see at least 51 jobs created – 28 to 30 full-time nursing staff, 15 carers and eight in administration.

Executive Care Group, which would run the facility, said in a planning statement it wanted to cater for the “strong demand” for good residential care in the area.

“In searching for locations for a nursing home facility in this part of the Tyne Valley, we were keen to get a site which had good views for residents and which was easily accessible for public transport,” it said.

“In addition we sought locations which were sustainable in terms of access to facilities and services but that were not in the centre of settlements.

“Unlike standard residential care homes or extra care housing like The Manors in Prudhoe, nursing care is better situated within a semi-rural setting to provide a greater tranquility and better chance of rehabilitation away from the stresses and pace of modern life.”

It is proposed the nursing home be situated on the site of the village’s old reading rooms, which were established in 1860.

In recent years, the area has been used for a variety of purposes, the latest being a car repair and tyre centre.

At the moment, it houses derelict buildings, which are in a poor state of repair, and the site is overgrown and fly-tipped.

The plans, submitted by Northstar Capital Projects Ltd, show the new building, which features red brickwork with cedar panels, would be slightly larger than the existing ones.

Executive Care Group added, however: “We would envisage that we would be providing a development which would result in a more beneficial visual impact on the landscape than the existing situation.

“It is our belief that our design represents a more attractive building than the collection of run-down structures and overflow car parking which have characterised this site for the past three years or more.”

The development has been supported by Prudhoe Town Council.

However, one local couple have objected, saying they were worried about the height of the building and the effect on their views.

“The most worrying aspect of the design is the lack of parking – 21 spaces in total,” they added. “However, the building will house 44 patients and have 51 full-time employees.

“The Eastgate Bank junction with the A695 is already a very difficult junction in itself, but is compounded by the fact that patrons of the Jiggery Pokery and social club park on this road close to the junction.”

William Smith, owner of the village’s Dene Workshops, has also raised concerns about parking, suggesting people may resort to using his land.

He added that a proposed retaining wall should be moved back slightly to improve road safety.

“As long as these matters are addressed, I have to say that I have no objections to these proposals,” he said.

“In fact, I think it would be an asset to the area and wish the applicants well in their endeavour.”

Public consultation on the plans is now over. Tynedale Council is hoping to make a decision on them by April 28.

First published at 21:14, Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk