Plans to demolish youth centre to extend care home

The former Merlin Youth Centre, in Osmaston Road, has been closed for several years

Plans to demolish a former Derby youth centre to make way for a 30-person care home extension have been submitted.

Douglas Court Care Home on the corner of Douglas Street and Osmaston Road in Rose Hill has applied for a two-storey 30-bedroom extension to its facilities.

The former Merlin Youth Centre, in Osmaston Road, has been closed for several years and lies in a state of significant disrepair.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the extension would mean the care home can increase its capacity from 43 to 64 people and provide an extra 15 full-time equivalent jobs – totalling 50.

'Fit for purpose'

Application documents filed by the care home details: “The proposed alterations and extensions will ensure the home is able to offer the purpose-built care home accommodation expected today.

“A dedicated secure garden area for use by the residents and families, along with a parking area is also included within the development.

LDRS said the care home will provide 24-hour care for residents with nursing and dementia needs, whilst providing employment for new staff that will be "largely drawn from the local community".

“The proposed alterations and extensions have been designed to far exceed minimum space standards set by the regulating body, CQC.

“The provision of these enhanced facilities will ensure that it will provide a building fit for purpose, for many years to come and ensure that will give both the residents and staff a modern, bright and suitable environment in which to live and work.”

A decision will be made by Derby City Council in the next few months.