Developer wants to scrap care home plans in Plymouth

Town houses proposed on formal naval estate

Housebuilders want to scrap plans for a 60-bed care home as part of the multi-million redevelopment of a 1960s’ housing estate in Plymouth because they claim it is not commercially viable.

Barne Barton, which was once Britain‘s largest naval estate, is being rebuilt after Sanctuary Housing was given permission two years ago to demolish its maisonettes and construct more than 100 flats and 12 houses, together with a care home and cafe, at Talbot Gardens.

Work has started on the demolition and ground works on the eastern part of the land, but the company has submitted a pre-application advice request to build 25 three-bedroom town houses instead of the care facility, eight of which would be affordable.

“The care home (including café) is no longer a commercially viable part of the original proposal, and therefore Sanctuary now proposes to deliver additional housing development on the western part of the site,” said agents Pegasus Group.

They added that the contemporary design and materials would be in keeping with the existing Talbot Gardens proposals. There would also be an area of open space, landscaping and parking.

As part of the 22-million regeneration at Barne Barton, Clarion Housing is also building more than 200 new affordable homes.

Earlier this year, Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer said the quality of housing had been a problem in the area for some time.

The estate, next to the River Tamar, was known by locals as “the forgotten island.”

“I have worked closely with all housing providers in the area and am excited to see the transformation in this close-knit community,” Mr Mercer said.