Muller Property Group is pleased to announce that outline planning permission has been granted on appeal for a new 80-bedroom care home in Sandy, Bedfordshire. The appeal followed Central Bedfordshire Council’s previous decision to refuse permission in June 2024.
The Planning Inspectorate has now overturned that decision, giving the green light to the much-needed care home development, which will be situated on a sustainably located site within the town of Sandy. The proposal had been submitted under planning application Ref CB/23/03546/OUT.
The approved plans involve the demolition of existing buildings on the site and the construction of a purpose-built, 2.5-storey 80-bedroom care home (Use Class C2), with a sub-station, access, car parking, servicing and other associated works. Reserved matters for landscaping.
Sandy, a vibrant town in Central Bedfordshire, benefits from strong transport links, situated just 8 miles east of Bedford, 18 miles south-west of Cambridge, and 43 miles north of Central London. Designed to provide a comfortable and homely environment, the care home will offer a wide range of facilities to promote residents’ well-being and quality of life.
Key features will include:
- Lounge and dining day spaces
- Café bistro for residents and visitors
- Hair and nail salon
- Ancillary services and staff offices on each floor
- Secure landscaped gardens
- Spacious en-suite bedrooms
- Purpose-designed servicing and car parking
Access to the development will be from the east of the site via the existing entrance point on London Road, minimising disruption to local traffic.
The appeal Inspector noted that there is a significant need for additional care home bed spaces in the area. Muller’s Care Home Needs Assessment identified a shortfall of 146 care home beds by 2030. The 80 beds proposed as part of the scheme would represent a substantial contribution toward addressing this shortfall. This was considered a further public benefit in support of the development.
Julie Doherty, Managing Director of Care at Muller Property Group commented:
“We are delighted with the outcome of this appeal and that the Inspector recognised the strong case for care need at this location. With a clear and growing demand for elderly care, this approval supports our wider mission to deliver high-quality, planning-approved care home sites in locations where the need is most pressing.”
The care home will deliver significant local benefits, including job creation during construction and operation, as well as long-term social infrastructure to support the needs of an ageing population.
Full details on the London Road care home proposals can be found here.
(Appeal Ref: APP/P0240/W/24/3357260)
