Gerrards Cross: Plans submitted for new 88-bed home for elderly

Plans have been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council to knock down the Chiltern Cheshire Home on Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross. 

Under proposals by Woolf Bond Planning LLP, the home, constructed in the early 1990s, would be demolished to make room for a new 88-bedroom home. 

If approved, the new building would boast a large open-plan bistro and foyer lounge with views to the gardens at the rear of the building. 

The site would also include staff offices, a reception area and communal facilities including hairdressing, beauty, barbers and a well-being room. 

An artist's impression of the proposed new care home at Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross (Image: Woolf Bond Planning LLP/Buckinghamshire Council planning portal))

A planning application was received for the 1.3-acre site on November 6 and would see the building built just south of Crossfield House, a retirement living complex built in the 1990s which contains 25 one-bedroom flats. 

In the documents, the applicant said: "The existing building is now a very weak and poor architectural response to this street scene and despite the strong tree line between the building and road has little interaction or presence with the public realm.

"The proposed development should seek to complete the road frontage with the adjacent apartment blocks whilst retaining the row of large Lime trees.

"The care home which forms the subject of this statement will offer accommodation, support services, assistance and specialist healthcare that can be tailored and evolve to meet the individual care needs of the residents.

"Care and support services are available, 24 hours a day that can meet all resident’s needs in a way that retains the dignity and independence of each individual and encourages the involvement of the resident’s family, neighbours and friends."

An artist's impression of the proposed new care home at Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross (Image: Woolf Bond Planning LLP/Buckinghamshire Council planning portal))

The plans add that the new home "provides an opportunity to enhance" the conservation area and would also include a cycle store, a refuse and recycling area plus parking. 

A central lounge would separate the two front blocks and include a dining area. 

Space would also be provided for accessible parking spaces immediately alongside the entrance with a minibus and ambulance bay. 

Two meetings were held during the pre-application process including a public meeting in June. 

A decision is currently due to be made before February 5, 2025, with a public consultation taking place between November 8 and November 29.