A planning application has been submitted to build a new care home and demolish Elizabeth House in Welwyn Garden City.

The proposal, submitted by First Garden Cities Homes, would see a building with 51 independent living apartments constructed in Elizabeth Close, with associated facilities, parking and landscaping included.

As part of the plans, the current Elizabeth House would be knocked down, with the application claiming the building is "no longer fit for purpose".

"The new development is to replace, enhance and maximise the potential of the site to provide good quality affordable homes in Welwyn Garden City," a planning and design statement reads.

The new building will include 51 independent living apartments.The new building will include 51 independent living apartments. (Image: First Garden Cities Homes)

"The current Elizabeth House sheltered housing scheme consists of 19 homes, and in the same building was also a 60-bed care home.

"The entire building is no longer considered fit for purpose owing to its current design, layout and overall sustainability.

"The building is 40-plus years old and is in need of significant reinvestment that would include works to the existing fire alarm system, upgrades to existing lighting, water storage capacity, a new call system, all major components such as kitchen and bathrooms, and overall thermal efficiency performance upgrades.

"All of which makes the current building non-viable in the medium to long-term."

The new building would also be "dementia-friendly", according to First Garden Cities Homes, with the applicant confident that plans should be approved.

A CGI view of what the new building could look like.A CGI view of what the new building could look like. (Image: First Garden Cities Homes)

"We are confident that our proposed development effectively addresses the needs of its intended residents, offering high-quality, accessible, and dementia-friendly living spaces within convenient reach of local amenities and at affordable rental rates," the plans read. 

"Particular emphasis has been placed on preserving and enhancing the local character through careful consideration of architectural style, material selection, and building form.

"The development is thoughtfully designed to seamlessly integrate into the existing townscape, creating a positive impact on the built environment for the benefit of all residents.

"We are optimistic that this project will be warmly welcomed by the community and serve as a valuable addition to the town, contributing to its overall vibrancy and quality of life."

To view the plans, visit planning.welhat.gov.uk/Search/Basic, and search 6/2024/1512/MAJ.