Major Sherford care home proposal promises over 100 new local jobs

Plans have been submitted for a new 72-bedroom care home in Sherford that, once operational, is expected to provide more than 100 local jobs.

The application, that has been lodged with South Hams District Council, sets out proposals for a purpose-built home providing specialist dementia, residential and respite care for older people.

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The scheme follows a deal between the Sherford Consortium, a partnership of Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, and care developer Mercroft Estates, a joint venture between Mercian Group and Barcroft Estates.

If approved, construction could begin in the final quarter of this year and is expected to take around 20 months to complete.

The proposed three-storey building has been designed to reflect the style of homes in Phase 2 of Sherford, with white render, wooden weatherboard cladding and grey stonework.

The care home would include 72 en-suite bedrooms: 21 on the ground floor, 25 on the first floor and 26 on the second floor. 

Ground floor rooms would have private patio spaces opening onto landscaped gardens, with a lift connecting all floors.

Communal facilities would include a café, cinema room, hairdresser, beauty salon and private dining area on the ground floor. 

The building has been designed with dementia care in mind, with clear wayfinding, colour schemes to aid orientation and secure keypad-protected areas.

Landscaping proposals include sensory gardens, flowering trees, wheelchair-accessible raised planters, pergola walkways and seating areas. 

The building is expected to exceed current building regulations through improved insulation and the use of low carbon technology for heating and hot water.

The site is located next to a planned urban park and close to Sherford’s town centre.

Richard Harrison, Land and Planning Director at Taylor Wimpey Exeter, said: “We are pleased to see the planning application submitted for the care home at Sherford. It’s an important milestone in bringing this much-needed facility one step closer. 

“From the outset, our ambition has been to ensure Sherford offers a genuine range of facilities to serve residents at every stage of their lives. 

“The quality and care that has gone into these plans reflects that commitment, and we look forward to the vision becoming a reality.”

Chris Towers, Director at Mercroft Estates Limited, said: “The detail within these plans reflects how seriously we take the design and delivery of specialist care environments. 

“We have worked hard to create a building that not only delivers outstanding care, but that also sits comfortably within Sherford and makes a positive contribution to the neighbourhood. We hope to be in a position to move forward with construction soon.”

The application will now be considered by South Hams District Council as part of the planning process