Plans to demolish and rebuild care home in Wanstead
The Chestnuts Nursing and Dementia Care Home, in Cambridge Park, Wanstead (Credit: Google Maps) - Credit: Archant
The owners of a Victorian care home in Wanstead have resurrected plans to demolish and rebuild the building.
Almost a year after the initial application was withdrawn, Westgate Healthcare, owners of The Chestnuts Nursing and Dementia Care Home, Cambridge Park, is looking to demolish and rebuild it with a purpose-built home for 66 residents. It is now home to 55 people but it is unknown where they will stay while work is carried out.
The new application says the overhaul will eliminate all shared bedrooms and ensure every resident has their own en-suite toilets and showers. The corridors would be wider and follow a circular route, so those with dementia can walk around without getting lost.
In 2013, permission was given to extend and refurbish the building, but this was withdrawn due to concerns that more changes were needed.
Another application made last year was also withdrawn following concerns there was not enough amenity space.
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The home faced closure in July 2011, when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported concerns over the care and welfare of residents, the training of staff and whether residents were adequately protected from harm. But after Westgate Healthcare took over in March 2012, inspectors returned and found the home had improved in every area.
Snaresbrook Ward’s Cllr Suzanne Nolan said she was concerned by the plans. “It’s a landmark building and I can’t understand why it has to be demolished,” she said.
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“The building needs upgrading but I don’t understand why they can’t do it without knocking it down. People are concerned about what it might become.”
Westgate Healthcare did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
A decision will be made by April 15.
