Plans for new purpose-built, state-of-the-art, step-down nursing home facility near Craigavon Area Hospital
A planning application for a new 69-bedroom nursing home extension close to Craigavon Area Hospital is currently at the consultation stage.
The planning application next to Lisnisky Nursing Home, Lisnisky Lane, Portadown, was lodged on June 12 by TSA Planning, Belfast, on behalf of Ann’s Care Homes, Annaghmore Road, Portadown.
Should planning permission be granted, staff access to the new complex will be via Lisnisky Nursing Home, while another access will be through an approved housing scheme off Bracken Road.
Several letters of objections have been received, expressing concerns regarding the scale of the proposed expansion, increased traffic, loss of amenity and privacy, and perceived safety issues.
A number of statutory bodies have already responded to the consultation exercise.
NIE offered no objection to the planning application, while DfI Roads only cited “some minor concerns” to do with proposed visibility splays, access and speed control.
They also noted: “The existing access to Lisnisky Road is to a suitable standard. Maximum staff number of 14 changing at start/end of shifts will not generate unreasonable traffic.
“Existing congestion is as a result of, and limited to, normal peak-hour movements adjacent to multiple residential, employment and education facilities.”
DfI Rivers requested a final drainage assessment, containing a detailed drainage network design, prior to the construction of the drainage network.
NI Water is currently recommending refusal. They noted in their report: “An assessment has indicated network capacity issues. This establishes significant risks of detrimental effect to the environment and detrimental impact on existing properties.
“For this reason, NI Water is recommending connections to the public sewerage system are curtailed.
“The applicant is engaging with NI Water through the Wastewater Impact Assessment process, which is currently ongoing.
“Completion of a Wastewater Impact Assessment is required to enable full consideration of the environmental impact of wastewater discharges arising from this proposal.
“In the absence of this assessment, NI Water is unable to recommend the use of negative conditions or support approval of this development.”
ABC Borough Council’s Environmental Health department, the NI Environment Agency, and Shared Environmental Services have yet to respond.
In a Supporting Planning Statement, TSA Planning argue there is a need for such a facility, stating: “Ann’s Care Homes propose to provide care in a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art, step-down facility at Lisnisky Lane.
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“The two-acre site is conveniently located opposite the rear entrance of Craigavon Area Hospital.
“In addition to creating additional bed capacity, the facility would also assist the Trust in managing the current bed-blocking issues.
“The 69-bed facility is to be split into four units set across two floors. The facility can care for residents with learning disability, general nursing, mental health and dementia nursing needs.
“Within the floorplate there are four bedrooms to facilitate residents with physical disability.
“There would be TV lounges, communal lounge/dining areas and quiet sitting rooms for relaxation.
“Externally there will be landscaped grounds for the residents to enjoy. Other features would include the provision of an activity/training room, multi-disciplinary meeting room and private visitors’ room.”
The statement highlights “a severe need for step-down facilities to alleviate chronic hospital bed blocking and Emergency Department pressures” and said the proposed development aligns with key planning and public policy objectives for the Southern Trust which focuses on a community-first approach and whole-life care.