Petersfield's Dementia Care Gets a Grand New Address:

70-Bed Specialist Home Approved Petersfield is poised to welcome a groundbreaking new facility that promises to reshape the landscape of dementia care in the region. The South Downs National Park Authority has given the green light to a 70-bedroom specialist dementia care home, a development that has been hailed as a much-needed asset for the community. The decision, however, was not without its share of drama, with concerns over access and flooding adding a twist to the tale. But in a unanimous vote, the project by Brackley Investments was approved, paving the way for a state-of-the-art facility that will be the only one of its kind in the area. For years, the overgrown corner of Penns Place and Durford Road has been a talking point for locals, home to a peculiar 1960s dome once used as a chicken coop. Now, this 0.6- hectare site is set to be transformed into a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of dementia. The new care home will not only provide essential services but also breathe new life into a long-neglected piece of land, turning a quirky landmark into a vital community resource. A Vision for Modern Dementia Care The approved plans, brought forward by specialist care developers Brackley Investments, outline a T-shaped, two-and-a-half-storey building designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment for its residents. The 70-bedroom facility is not just about providing a roof over the heads of those with dementia; it's about creating a community where they can live with dignity and receive the specialized care they need. The design of the building has been carefully considered to cater to the unique needs of individuals with dementia, with features that promote independence while ensuring safety. The development is set to be a self-contained community, offering a range of services and amenities on-site. This approach is crucial in dementia care, as it provides a stable and familiar environment for residents, which can help to reduce anxiety and confusion. The developers have been searching for a suitable site in Petersfield for many years, and the approval of this project marks the culmination of their efforts. Andy Marshall, the planning director for Brackley Investments, emphasized the “extensive benefits” the development would bring to the area, highlighting that it would be the only home of its kind in the vicinity. The project is not just about building a care home; it's about creating a center of excellence for dementia care in the region. The facility will be staffed by a team of highly trained professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for residents. The focus will be on person-centered care, which means that each resident will have a personalized care plan that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. This approach is widely recognized as the gold standard in dementia care, as it respects the individuality of each person and promotes their well-being.

A Pressing Need for Specialist Care The approval of the new care home comes at a critical time, as the demand for specialist dementia care in Hampshire continues to grow. Recent figures from the NHS show that over 15,000 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been diagnosed with dementia, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages. In East Hampshire, where Petersfield is located, it was estimated in March 2023 that 1,867 people aged 65 and over were living with dementia, yet only 63.1% of them had a formal diagnosis. This highlights a significant gap in the provision of dementia care and support services in the area. The new 70-bedroom facility will go a long way towards addressing this shortfall, providing a much- needed resource for families who are struggling to find appropriate care for their loved ones. The lack of specialist dementia care facilities in the area has been a long-standing concern for healthcare professionals and local authorities. Many families have had to look outside of the area to find suitable care for their relatives, which can be a stressful and disruptive experience. The new care home in Petersfield will provide a local solution for local people, allowing them to receive the care they need in their own community. This is not just about providing a bed; it's about providing a supportive and understanding environment where people with dementia can thrive. The facility will also create new jobs in the area, providing a boost to the local economy. The development is a win-win for Petersfield, addressing a critical social need while also bringing economic benefits to the town. Navigating the Hurdles: Access and Flooding Concerns The path to approval was not entirely smooth, with both Hampshire Highways and East Hampshire District Council raising objections. The main sticking point was the proposed access to the site from the privately-owned Durford Road. A mature oak tree on the corner of Penns Place was identified as a potential hazard, reducing visibility for traffic coming from the north, near the Taro Centre and the rugby club. Gethin Morgan-Owen of the Friends of the Rother Valley Way argued that “safe access to the site has not been demonstrated for any mode,” and suggested that an alternative access from Penns Place should be investigated. These concerns were echoed by town and district councillor Louise Bevan, who pointed out that “two statutory consultees have unresolved objections over vehicle access, pedestrian safety and flood risk.” Rob Mocatta, another councillor, commended the overall scheme but proposed a three- month deferral to allow for a better access solution to be found, especially with the potential for future development on the former EHDC offices site. “I think it’s a really good use of the site but my concern is about access,” he said. “It’s a fantastic environment for people with dementia but we have a real opportunity with the leverage we have to come up with a better scheme.” However, the South Downs National Park

Authority’s planning committee was ultimately satisfied with the proposed arrangements and rejected the deferral, voting unanimously to approve the plans. This decision signals a clear commitment to addressing the urgent need for dementia care in the area, while also acknowledging the need for careful planning and consideration of local infrastructure. From Quirky Landmark to Community Asset The site at the corner of Penns Place and Durford Road has long been a source of curiosity for Petersfield residents. The distinctive 1960s dome, a remnant of a former chicken coop, has stood as a quirky landmark for decades. Its unusual design has sparked many a conversation and added a touch of eccentricity to the local landscape. While the dome itself will be replaced, its memory will live on in the stories of local people. The transformation of this site from a neglected piece of land into a vital community asset is a testament to the changing needs of the town. Petersfield is a town that is proud of its history, but it is also a town that is looking to the future. The new care home is a perfect example of this, a development that respects the past while embracing the future. The location of the new care home is also significant. Situated on the edge of the town, it offers a peaceful and tranquil setting for residents, while also being close to local amenities. The proximity to the Taro Leisure Centre and the Petersfield Rugby Club means that residents will have opportunities to engage with the local community. The development is also well-connected to the rest of the town, with easy access to public transport. This is important for both residents and their families, as it will allow them to stay connected with the wider community. The new care home is not just a building; it is a new addition to the fabric of Petersfield, a new chapter in the story of the town.