Eyesore’ extension plans spark a protest in Barbourne - The Worcester Observer

Eyesore’ extension plans spark a protest in Barbourne

Worcester Editorial 22nd Oct, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

CONCERNED residents in Barbourne have launched a protest against plans to build an “eyesore” extension at a nursing home.

Developer Minster Care Group wants to create a two-storey building at the rear of Shrubbery Care Home in a bid to accommodate a further 12 residents on top of its existing 31.

If the plans are approved by Worcester City Council’s planning committee tomorrow (Thursday), the home would increase the number of single beds to 43.

However, a total of 18 letters have been submitted to the city council in opposition to the proposals as residents fear it would have an the impact on Shrubbery Avenue, which is a conservation area.




Joan Stephens, who is set to speak out at the meeting, told The Observer she was also concerned for the residents who live in the home, which has been running for more than 20 years.

“It is going to be like a chicken farm as they will all be in little boxes,” she said.


“They are going to be in north facing rooms which look out on to a car park or a wall and they are eliminating this garden which they promote in their present brochure.

“They are proposing to cut down large mature trees and rip up the garden, leaving no grass and flowers for the residents to look at.”

Another resident on Shrubbery Avenue, who did not want to be named, said the plans were “ugly” and would increase traffic in the area, while Peter Nesbitt, 54, also expressed a number of concerns.

“It is a very nice street here with a lot of properties turning back to residential use. so to extend that place would be crazy,” he said.

“I don’t know anyone who is in favour of it. The building is going to be an eyesore and I am going to have ten to 12 months of construction to put up with while they create it.”

Coun Joy Squires and Coun Matthew Jenkins have joined residents in their protests, but a spokeswoman for Minster Care Group said the extension would benefit its residents.

“The new application proposes a two storey rear extension, alterations to the front of the property, increased parking and alterations to the garden area,” she added.

“If successful, the application will allow us to provide additional bedrooms and internal and external day space, which we believe will be of great benefit to the residents.”

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