The former Ferns Nursing Home in Yeovil is on track to undergo a transformation into a large house of multiple occupation (HMO) following the approval of proposed plans. Originally operated by Almondsbury Care Ltd., the care home ceased operations in mid-2022 after undergoing multiple inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Glastonbury-based developer Yeovil Promise Ltd. submitted an application in December 2024 to convert the erstwhile care home—previously accommodating 39 residents—into a 31-bed HMO. Somerset Council has sanctioned the conversion, paving the way for interior modifications to kick off before the end of the year.
Situated midway along St. Michael’s Avenue, the former care home is in close proximity to St. Michael’s Academy and the recently established Potters House care home on Highfield Road. The restructured HMO will comprise individual residential rooms, each designated for single occupancy, in addition to three communal kitchen-dining spaces, two lounges, and two laundry facilities.
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The remodeling plans also include the creation of six new car parking slots, six motorcycle spaces, and storage capacity for up to 20 bicycles within the premises. However, as is typical of many HMO setups in Yeovil, not every resident will have access to an assigned parking space, despite the expanded parking provisions.
A representative from M. W. Consultancy, speaking on behalf of the applicant, expressed, “The aim is to establish an upscale, boutique-style residence to appeal to top-tier professionals. The target demographic includes employees of Leonardo Helicopters, medical staff from Yeovil Hospital, and personnel from Yeovil College.”
With the HMO set to accommodate fewer residents compared to the care home at full capacity, there will be no net increase in phosphates resulting from the development. Consequently, there is no requirement for additional measures to mitigate potential negative effects on the Somerset Levels and Moors. The approval of the plans was granted by the council’s planning officers through delegated powers, bypassing the need for a public decision by the planning committee south responsible for major applications in the former South Somerset area.
Linda Hayden, a planning officer, stated, “This change of use is deemed appropriate and is not expected to cause demonstrable harm to the area’s character, residential amenity, or highway safety.” The construction of the new HMO is anticipated to commence later this year.