Shared house '˜hostel' idea backheeled by planners

The former Redlands Christian Care Home on Rock Hill Gardens had been earmarked for a conversion into a 22 bedsit rooms with shared kitchen and dining facilities.

Applicant, Hamilton Hargreaves Ltd, insisted the property would be designed for professional people, and stated that all clients would have to be employed.

The Mansfield Woodhouse-based company said from its most recent projects they had attracted nurses and junior doctors.

But the plans for the Rock Hill property failed to impress the neighbours and the planning committee members on Mansfield District Council.

One resident from Rock Hill Gardens, who addressed the committee during the recent planning meeting, said: “This is no more than a hostel, I can’t imagine any doctors of nurses wanting to share a kitchen.”

The committee members were not happy that no representative from Hamilton Hargreaves Ltd was at the meeting to answer questions.

Councillor John Kerr said: “I would like to know how many of these houses of multiple occupancy they have got.

“Unless they are prepared to come (and answer questions), I am not prepared to vote for it.”

Questioning whether professional people would be attracted to the property, Councillor Martin Wright said: “We are not going to get these people to Mansfield wanting this accommodation, I have no confidence in this application.”

The planners unanimously voted to reject the plans, 10 to zero.

The former nursing home closed its door two years ago after health chiefs stripped it of its licence to operate.

The legal action was taken following a commercial dispute’ between the owners of Redlands and a third party.

Just six residents had live there at the time and alternative homes were found for them.