A house in multiple occupancy with space for 18 people is set to be converted into supported living apartments under plans submitted to Wirral Council.
Under the proposal, 4-6 Knowsley Road in Rock Ferry will be converted into 10 apartments for those with care needs who are able to live independently.
The Wirral building was previously used as a care facility, before it became a multiple occupancy home (HMO).
The latest plans for the site were laid out in the design and access statement prepared for the applicant Ken Jones, from chartered surveyors Jones Melling Ltd.
One section of the statement read: “This planning application seeks to change the use of the existing building to accommodate the requirements of a care provider who are seeking to decommission two existing residential care homes.”
The home will be redesigned to make it suitable for its new use.
The statement continued: “The property itself includes a basement and three storeys above ground, this application seeks to re-organise the layout internally to provide accommodation that has been confirmed as required and supported by a care provider with the support of the local care commissioners.
“Internally the property will be divided into 10 self contained apartments, supplemented with communal facilities, circulation space and staff accommodation to support the intended care provision of the scheme.
"Externally the garden will be made secure to provide appropriate external space for the residents.”
The application also discussed key features of the outside area.
The document read: “The scheme will be created with a secure external area and new fencing will be installed to create this environment so that the residents can enjoy the external space as well as allowing the opportunity for areas externally of planting, including raised beds for use by the residents.
“The external areas will be accessible via a wheelchair accessible footpath, including access to areas like the raised beds and outside seating areas.”
Ultimately, the applicant felt the change of use was appropriate.
The design and access statement added: “[The application is] based on the historic use of the building as a care home combined with the scheme being supported by a care provider to relocate and enhance their care offering in the area.
“We don’t believe that the proposed scheme is detrimental to the property and believe it is in line with planning policy.”
