Lincoln City Council approves plans for city care home

A Lincoln care home has been granted approval as councillors hoped it could help resolve log-jams of patients in hospital.

The 59-bed facility will be built on green spaces next to the Lindum and Minster Medical Practice on Cabourne Avenue.

Councillors said the urgent need for elderly care made it a priority for the city.

The designs by Glenholme Health Group promise round-the-clock medical care for elderly residents who need it.

Bed blocking in hospitals occurs when people are ready for discharge but there is nowhere to go, whether because there is no space in suitable care homes or the necessary help can’t be arranged at home.

At a planning meeting on Wednesday (February 26), Councillor Gary Hewson (Lab) said: “We have an ageing population, and there is a need for more social care.

“One of the main issues in our hospitals is bed blocking, and hopefully more spaces will relieve that.”

Councillor Chris Burke (Lab) agreed, saying: “Apart from me, Lincoln does have an ageing population, and we need to look after them.”

The area had previous been proposed for student housing, however councillors were happy with the design of the three-storey care home.

The applicant is expected to contribute £21,000 to the local NHS to help meet the need created by people living at the home.

Local residents had submitted several concerns about the size of the size of the building and potential parking problems in the area.

The plans will include an extension to the local GP surgery’s car park.

Councillor Rebecca Longbottom (Lab) said: “Parking in that area is horrendous, anything we can do to improve that would be appreciated.”

The plans were passed unanimously, and construction will start within three years.