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Ex-pub to be ‘home for the elderly’
A CHARITY has launched an ambitious £1Million project to convert a former 15th century town centre pub into a residential home for the elderly.
The Clare Liaison and Support Project (CLASP) has joined forces with the Abbeyfield Society, which provides sheltered accommodation nationwide, to convert the former Half Moon Pub in the High Street, Clare.
The CLASP charity group, which supports the elderly community in Clare, has now lodged a detailed planning application with St Edmundsbury Borough Council to convert the Grade II, listed building into residential accommodation catering for up to eleven residents.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council has already pledged £800,000 from its housing corporation budget towards the scheme and CLASP is to donate another £21,000. it is believed that the Abbeyfield Society will provide the remainder of the funds needed for the purchase and development of the premises.
A number of local residents have submitted written objections and concerns over the proposals, fearing that the changes would be detrimental to the building and the conversion would cause parking problems. However, St Edmundsbury planners are recommending that the plans should be approved.
Although part of the building was converted into flats during the 1980’s, it has been an inn for most of its 600-year history. The internal layout of the property is indicative of an inn with the majority of rooms having access to the central hall, landing or corridor. Planners say that this layout makes it particularly suitable for conversion into a residential home.
A report seen by St Edmundsbury’s planning committee has recommended the application subject to a number of conditions including providing sufficient car parking facilities, ensuring work starts within five years and that the buildings historic features are preserved.
If the plans do get the go ahead, the home will be run jointly between CLASP and the Abbeyfield Society and a full time manager will be appointed. CLASP spokesman Stuart Green said: “This is a very important scheme as many elerderly residents are no longer safe in sheltered accommodation and they require residential care.”
Mr Green went on to say: “At the moment there is no residential accommodation in Clare, however we have needed one for many years. Opening homes such as this will also help ease the bed blocking situation in hospitals.”
Photo: Michael Hall
Date : 08-11-2001
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