Former Bournemouth care home could become 28 flats

The former Merstone Hall care home in Florence Road, Boscombe closed in 2018 after it was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

After that, it was demolished and has been an empty vacant site. 

But now the development company Prime Space Companies has lodged a planning application to BCP Council to replace it with 25 new apartments. 

The proposal would see a four-storey building constructed comprising seven one-bedroom flats, 15 two-bedroom flats and three three-bedroom flats. 

For the 25 apartments, there will be no space for cars within the site, a policy brought in by BCP Council for the area, but there will be a space for a bicycle for every bedroom. 

Matthew Holmes, of agent Spruce Town Planning, said: “On street parking is available along Florence Road and a public car park is located within walking distance on Hawkwood Road for visitors. 

“The parking standards do require secure bike storage which will be provided on the site in an external store.  

“The proposed provision of cycle storage spaces meets the standard for this size of development.” 

Hawkwood Road’s car park is due to close early next year to make way for more flats. 

Hawkwood Road car park will close next year

Mr Holmes added: “Although since demolished, the previous building was not of any particular architectural merit.  

“Consequently, there is an opportunity to replace the building with a structure and design that will enhance the character of the area and preserve the setting of the nearby heritage assets. 

“Therefore, the proposed building has been designed to have a similar scale, depth and mass as the former care home building, but the improved appearance will ensure the new building is more appropriate for the area.” 

Merstone Hall closed after the CQC identified 12 breaches of regulations, leading to inspectors rating it as inadequate across the board. 

Inspectors placed the home in special measures, then attended three weeks later to see what improvements had been made. 

Despite support, the home provider and registered manager had not taken the action required to improve care, the CQC said. 

CQC deputy chief inspector of adult social care Debbie Ivanova explained: “Our inspectors met with the provider and registered manager of the service on March 13, 2018, to express our serious concerns and explain what enforcement action we were considering.  

“The provider subsequently submitted an application to cancel the location of the service and the home closed on March 28, 2018.”