News
Muller Property Group gets approval for 80-bed Bedfordshire home
Muller Property Group has been granted on appeal outline planning permission for a new 80-bed care home in Sandy, Bedfordshire. The appeal followed Central Bedfordshire Council’s 2024 decision to refuse permission. The Planning Inspectorate has now overturned that decision. The approved plans involve the demolition of existing buildings on the site and the
construction of a purpose-built, 2.5-storey 80- bedr care home, with a sub-station, access, car parking, and other associated works. The new home will offer a wide range of facilities including a café bistro for residents and visitors, a hair and nail salon, and landscaped gardens. The appeal inspector noted a significant
need for additional care home bed spaces in the area. Muller’s Care Home Needs Assessment identified a shortfall of 146 care home beds by 2030. The 80 beds proposed represent a substantial contribution toward addressing this shortfall. This was considered a further public benefit in support of the development.
Julie Doherty, managing director of care at Muller Property Group, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this appeal and that the inspector recognised the strong case for care need at this location, with a clear and growing demand for planning-approved care home sites in locations where the need is most pressing.”
Centrum Care Homes Group acquires Devon care home
Centrum Care Homes Group has acquired Moors Park House in Devon, saving the home from closure and rebranding it as Estuary View.
Moors Park House was rated Inadequate by the CQC and was at serious risk of closing after a notice of decision was issued. With the support of local authorities and the previous provider, Centrum Care Homes Group was invited to acquire the home and lead its recovery.
Centrum Care Homes Group will invest more £150,000 into the renamed Estuary View, funding refurbishments, training, and the introduction of new systems. The top floor, which had to be closed under the previous provider due to regulatory issues, will reopen in September, restoring the home to its full capacity.
Tushar Shah and Mehul Shah, co-founders of Centrum Care Homes Group, said: “When we learned this home was at risk, we knew we had to step in. The thought of residents being uprooted and losing their home, and staff losing their livelihoods, was unthinkable. Instead, we have given the home a new identity as Estuary View, and we are fully committed to bringing it back to life. We will
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invest in its people, its infrastructure and its spirit so that it can once again be a place the community is proud of.” Suzanne Gatrell, operations manager for Centrum Care Homes Group and acting registered manager at Estuary View, said: “This home had lost its way, but it had not lost its heart. It has always been part of the community, and we are determined to make it something the community can be proud of again. The team has embraced the changes, families have supported us, and we are already seeing improvements – better care, a stronger team, and a real sense of pride returning to the home.”
Lord Mayor opens Chester home’s community garden
The Lord Mayor of Chester has opened a new inclusive community garden at Grosvenor Manor Care Centre in Chester. The development of the garden saw schools, community groups, and local institutions donating knowledge, time, and gardening expertise. This included the British Army and Royal Navy, who were joined by Cheshire Police and the Salvation Army to help with design and construction. Reflecting its passion for music and its desire to provide a space to host entertainment for residents, Bishops High School worked to create a small stage area and ‘rock’ garden.
The Kings School undertook
watercolour painting sessions with residents, while Kids Planet Nursery created an allotment area, where children from Cherry Grove Primary School planted a cherry tree. Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Sherin Akhtar said: “This really has been a whole community effort and the result is a stunning new communal outdoor space for all to enjoy. It has clearly taken many hours of hard work to create the garden and is testament to what can be achieved when communities pull together. Everyone should be very pleased with their efforts.”
Senior wellbeing coordinator Lisa Forth commented: “Our fully inclusive community garden has been developed and created by the local community, not only for the wellbeing of our residents, but for the wellbeing and enjoyment of the whole community. Our residents have enjoyed watching and supporting all involved, but we don’t stop here, this is an ongoing project and we look forward to welcoming everyone into the home to tend to their parts of the garden and enjoy spending time here.”
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com September 2025
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