Plans to build a new 76-bed care home near St Austell in Cornwall have been revealed. 

A planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council for the development.

It would be located on the grounds of an existing care home, Hendra Court in Par.

The proposal comes from architectural firm Poynton Bradbury Architects, commissioned by Cornwallis Care Services.

According to the Local Neighbourhood Plan, one in four residents in the parish of Tywardreath and Par endures a limiting, long-term illness, punctuating the need for comprehensive residential care.

The development intends to augment existing care facilities in the area to meet growing demand.

Cornwallis Care Service's managing director, Stuart Clarkson, said: "The plans for increased dementia and mental health beds in Par are critical for Cornwall Council to achieve their strategy for care home provision.

"Put quite simply, there is insufficient care provision for dementia health nursing in mid Cornwall."

Falmouth Packet: A planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council for the development

He states that Cornwall Council advocates the construction of new care homes and fostering dementia-friendly environments, over revamping existing buildings to better living conditions.

Mr Clarkson elaborated: "New care homes enable the provision of technology enabled care and this in turn promotes independence."

He stressed the challenges of adapting many of its older buildings to meet updated care home standards.

The proposition tentatively involves the demolition of 18 existing care bedrooms and the construction of a purpose-built care home capable of catering to dementia and nursing needs.

These designs centre around creating a comfortable living space for residents, centred around a shared communal courtyard.

Josie Dorling, project architect and later living and care specialist at Poynton Bradbury Architects, said: "The building is arranged into three wings of sleeping accommodation centred around a communal wing where residents share more domestic-scale living spaces and activity rooms, which are designed to foster social interaction."

The building’s progression will be phased to allow a smooth transition for existing residents.

Furthermore, the new facility will meet BREEAM 'Excellent' energy performance standards and incorporate eco-friendly features such as solar PV panels and air source heat pumps.

Cornwallis Care Services plans to eventually redevelop the historic house and remaining extensions into close care accommodation.