The Milford Area Preservation Group supports Milford Manor Care Home’s proposals to knock down a “sub-standard” two-storey wing, built in 1988, and build a new a three-storey extension to create better living space for residents.
The work would also see renovation at the old manor house, the original building that was built in 1903 to resemble a Tudor castle.
Wessex Care, which runs the home, says the new care wing would make the home’s 30 bedrooms bigger and give all residents en-suite bathrooms.
A new lift would be built – replacing one in the manor house – and there would be wider corridors to make it easier for staff to manoeuvre wheelchairs and beds.
The existing lift shaft and other non-original partition walls in the manor house would be removed.
The existing two-storey accommodation building (Image: Elaine Milton Heritage & Planning) Planning documents says: “The current care rooms within the two-storey care wing are undersized and do not have en-suite facilities as are now required, and the existing structure cannot be sensibly or economically adapted to meet the current requirements.
“The decision has, therefore, been taken to demolish the existing 1988 care wing and to construct a new/replacement care wing in roughly the same location with a dual-entry lift giving level access to all floor levels within the proposed replacement care wing.
“The relocation of the lift to the new wing brings about the opportunity to remove the present lift and first floor glazed screen [in the manor house].
“This will restore these spaces to their original form and allow an uninterrupted view of the main stair when entering the building and the restored first floor galleried landing.”
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The manor house would be used as a communal space for residents and contain other facilities such as an assisted bathroom and a space for visiting GPs.
The Milford Area Preservation Group, an association of residents that aims to protect and enhance the ward, has shared its support for the scheme.
In a statement, the committee said: “In our view, the proposals will not only do justice to one of Milford’s iconic buildings by removing extraneous and ungainly additions, but the new build will reflect and complement the architectural grace notes of the original early Edwardian manor.
“We are also delighted that the renovations will provide very much needed extra provision of quality care in our community.”
Member Julia Mary Eastaugh said: “My mother spent time at another of the group’s care facilities following a fall, and the care and rehabilitation that she received allowed her to remain mobile for the remainder of her life and we could not have been more impressed with the home and the staff.
“I think we need these high quality facilities in our city and any moves to improve the choice has my full support.”
Wiltshire Council is expected to make a decision on the plans next week.