An artist’s impression of the approved development

A new state-of-the-art care home has been granted outline planning approval, paving the way for the development of a brownfield site located at The Forge on Clensmore Street, Kidderminster.

The project, which is set to address the growing need for high-quality care in the area, will offer unique waterside location just 500m north of Kidderminster town centre.

The approved plan, submitted to Wyre Forest District Council by Muller Property Group, allows for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a three-storey, L-shaped care home.

The development will provide 80 en-suite bedrooms, each designed with spacious wetroom facilities to enhance residents’ comfort and independence.

The care home has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of both residents and visitors, offering an extensive range of amenities including landscaped communal gardens featuring secure private spaces and canal-facing decking.

Each floor is also equipped with spacious lounges, dining areas, and terraces to promote social engagement.

And residents can also enjoy a modern café, cinema room, private dining areas, and a hair salon.

Additionally, activity rooms and communal spaces are tailored to support the mental and physical wellbeing of residents.

Julie Doherty, sales director at Muller Property Group, said: “Kidderminster has long faced a shortage of high-standard care beds, with a significant undersupply in the local area.

“This new development will directly address this gap, providing

much-needed facilities to meet the demands of the aging population. “With its canal-side location and cutting-edge facilities, the care home is set to become a valuable addition to the local community.”

Steve Bourne, technical director at Muller Property Group, added: “We’re delighted to have gained planning on this site.

“We worked collaboratively with Wyre Forest District Council, the planning case officer, and key stakeholders, including the Canal &

Rivers Trust, conservation officer, and highways officer, during the planning application consultation.

“This positive engagement resulted in a scheme that gained the full support of the council, with the case officer’s report recommending approval, and councillors unanimously endorsing the project at the committee meeting.

The project has already attracted significant interest from end users, with its combination of an undersupplied care market and strategic location making it a highly-attractive opportunity.

The planning team

Arboriculture – Shields (Steve Shields)

Architect – Vestar

Ecology – Midland Ecology, Focus Environmental

Energy Statement – Active Energy Assessors

Flood Risk & Drainage – Betts Hydro

Geo-environmental – Georisk Management

Heritage – Richard Hayman

Highways – Mewies Engineering Consulting (M-EC)

Landscape – Trevor Bridge Associates

Noise – E3P

Planning – Asbri Planning

Topographic Survey – Castle Surveys

Care Need Assessment – Healthcare Property Consultants (HPC)