Green light for care facility extension

Lidder Care have secured planning permission to extend Newgate Lodge Care Home in Mansfield. The extension and improvement works were unanimously approved by Mansfield Planning Committee and will see the facility grow from 60 to 84 beds, solidifying Lidder Care’s commitment to providing exceptional dementia care in the region.

As part of the expansion, Newgate Lodge will introduce several key features, including groundfloor bistro within a new and improved entrance area, cinema room, tranquil Japanese garden and a state-of-the-art hairdressing salon. Larger bedrooms with wet room facilities will be created to enhance the overall comfort and well-being of residents. Four distinct units, each featuring adaptable and dementia-friendly communal spaces will provide supportive environments for residents with diverse needs.

PKL Investments, the construction arm of Lidder Care, will take the helm as main contractor for the project. Manjas Lidder, Managing Director of Lidder Care, stated “this approach of using our in-house construction team not only secures superior quality but also maintains control over the building and development process to limit disruption to our existing residents during the construction phase”.

“It is important we continue investing in our homes to build on the high-level of care we provide to those living with dementia. This exciting extension ensures a care orientated design to meet the specialist needs of residents as well as Lidder Care’s operational needs. This includes high quality private accommodation with accessible and inclusive living spaces designed to suit to residents with reduced mobility.”

“Newgate Lodge Care Home takes immense pride in its residents, colleagues and the remarkable community that surrounds it. As the home embarks on the next chapter of its journey, we look forward to continuing to provide compassion, exceptional care and new adventures for all those who call Newgate Lodge their home.”

Mansfield Planning Officers praised the scheme commenting that “this is aimed at improving accessibility for residents, many of whom have mobility issues, by providing ‘step free access’ and enabling wheelchairs to access all areas of the home. Larger and more suitable internal spaces for staff and visitors would also be provided. Additional disabled parking spaces and an ambulance drop off bay would be provided adjacent to the main entrance, further improving access to the facility.

The design and layout of the proposed extension combined with the alterations to the existing building would provide improved and accessible accommodation for residents, staff and visitors and complement the design and layout of the host building. Thus, officers conclude that the proposal would provide a well-designed building which is both inclusive and accessible and appropriate to its context in terms of layout, scale and density”. Work on site is expected to get underway in the Spring of 2024.