Gosport planners deliver verdict on care home's expansion plan for extra bedrooms and communal space

Gosport Borough Council’s regulatory board approved plans submitted by applicant Rishad Datoo of Numada Healthcare to build eight more bedrooms.

Thalassa Nursing Home at 79 Western Way is a 48-bedroom care home with 47 residents. It is a combination of one and two-storey buildings.

The proposed plans include a two-storey, six metre extension to provide eight additional bedrooms, a new communal space and landscaping.

The officer report said the site at Western Way has been a care home for 70 years, and is surrounded by residential homes.

The design and access statement said: “The new extension will sit 1.5m below ground level, lessening its impact on its surroundings.

“Although modest in scale, the extension will incorporate appropriate sustainability measures.

“High-performance insulation and low-energy lighting. The efficient heating systems are compatible with the existing care home. A maximisation of natural daylight and ventilation with responsibly sourced building materials.”

The agent said the care home provides 85 per cent of its accommodation to support Hampshire County Council and the NHS. The building work is expected to take eight months.

The council officer said the usual construction management plan will be implemented, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 1.30pm, with no work able to take place on Sundays or bank holidays.

This application reference 25/00316/FULL was approved with four votes in favour and one abstention.