Alton Business Park – Care Home Planning Consent
A carefully considered vision for later living
At Alton Business Park, on the outskirts of Ross-on-Wye, MF Freeman Group brought forward proposals for a high-quality care home designed to meet a wide range of specialist needs within a single, cohesive environment. Successfully securing planning consent for this scheme reflects a clear and thoughtful approach to design, care provision and landscape integration.
Planning consent was achieved for a 90-bedroom care facility under C2 use, providing a balanced mix of accommodation to support varying levels of need. The scheme includes 30 bedrooms for the frail elderly, 48 dedicated to dementia care, and 12 designed specifically for end-of-life dementia support. Alongside this, a range of shared amenities was proposed, including day and dining rooms, offices, a shop, café and cinema room, creating a well-rounded and supportive setting for residents.
Designed for wellbeing and familiarity
The building was designed primarily at single storey, with a modest two-storey element positioned at the front of the site. This approach ensures a low-profile presence within the landscape while maintaining clear, accessible internal layouts.
Central to the design was a series of secure courtyards and landscaped sitting areas, created in collaboration with award-winning landscape architects Tim Lynch Associates. These spaces were carefully planned to offer both visual interest and therapeutic value, encouraging gentle activity and social interaction.
For residents living with dementia, the courtyards incorporate familiar, recognisable features such as a traditional red telephone box and post box. These elements were thoughtfully introduced to support memory recall and provide points of interest, helping to create a comfortable and reassuring environment.
A roof garden with dining terrace further enhances the scheme, providing opportunities for outdoor living and social interaction while offering elevated views towards Chase Woods and the surrounding countryside.
A balanced and responsive proposal
The scheme demonstrates MF Freeman Group’s ability to navigate complex requirements and bring forward considered solutions for later living. The proposals balance clinical care needs with a strong emphasis on environment, familiarity and quality of life, reflecting a wider commitment to creating places that support dignity, independence and wellbeing.
