Plans to demolish the former Priory Court care home in Burnham-on-Sea and replace it with a state-of-the-art facility have received unanimous approval from local councillors. Country Court Care Ltd. initially submitted the proposals in November 2023 to rebuild the care home on Oxford Street, following its closure in November 2022.
Previously, Somerset Council deferred the decision in July due to concerns over the building’s design and its fit within the surrounding neighborhood. However, the council’s planning committee north, responsible for major applications in the former Sedgemoor area, has now endorsed the project. Construction is anticipated to commence within months.
The Priory Court site, situated on the corner of Oxford Street and Priory Gardens near St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School and a short distance from Burnham-on-Sea’s town center and seafront, will be transformed into a modern complex. The new facility will feature 70 en-suite bedrooms distributed between two- and three-storey buildings, complemented by communal amenities such as a café and salon on the ground floor.
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Access will remain from Oxford Street, with provisions made for 17 visitor parking spaces and 11 staff parking spots. A representative from Osmund Tricks, acting on behalf of the applicant, emphasized the necessity of the redevelopment: “The historic building’s fragmented design is unsuitable for modern care needs. Demolition and reconstruction are the only ways to enhance care quality and sustain local bedroom numbers. With increasing demand, our client aims to deliver a high-quality living environment and create local employment opportunities.”
Not everyone supports the plan, however. Owain Wynne, representing the Diocese of Bath and Wells, voiced objections during the planning committee meeting. He highlighted the building’s historic and architectural significance, including its Victorian-era elements and chapel, and warned that demolition could disrupt the densely populated residential area. Concerns also included increased traffic, parking challenges, lack of green space, and a design that doesn’t foster a community atmosphere.
Despite these objections, local councillors expressed optimism. Councillor Bob Filmer praised the developer’s proactive engagement with planning officers and acknowledged design improvements since the July review. “Though demolition will pose challenges, the developer is mindful of the dense surroundings and aims to minimize resident disruption,” he stated. Councillor Tony Grimes noted that design adjustments have made the project more compatible with the neighborhood’s character.
Following a brief debate, the committee unanimously approved the redevelopment plans, marking a significant step toward the facility’s modernization and addressing growing local care needs.