Former Saddle Mews nursing home to become six houses

It was unanimously approved by the planning committee

The former nursing home at Saddle Mews will be converted into six townhouses after being granted planning permission.

It was previously granted approval in 2017 for 34 apartments and 24 parking spaces, however only limited demolition and conservation work was carried out.

The planning officer said each house will have four bedrooms and a front and back garden as well as two parking spaces per property.

She added that there had been objections to the plan, including 93 identical letters from the adjoining Saddle Mews housing complex.

There were also concerns about three trees close to the site, one of which might need to be cut back.

Henry Chaplain, one of the residents in Saddle Mews told the hearing that their concerns were around parking.

He said many families have more than two cars and he believed guest parking should’ve been included the scheme.

Mr Chaplain said four spaces could be provided on Groves Road and also raised concerns about access.

However, Sarah Corlett, who was speaking on behalf of the developer, told the committee that her client thought the reduction in the number of properties on the site would be ‘pleasing’ to the residents.

She added that a noise complaint had been raised and said the new plans will create less of a disturbance than the original plans.

Ms Corlett said the development would also not include guest parking.

Committee member Peter Young said it was ‘great’ to see a plan for the building after years of it lying derelict.

He added he had some ‘sympathy’ with the residents about parking but felt that people would use the NSC car park instead because it is free.

The committee unanimously approved the development and granted four householders the right to appeal.