PLANS to replace an East Cliff care home for Christadelphians with a new facility more than double its size have been submitted to BCP Council.

Concerns have been raised that the existing 27-room Fairhaven building in Knyveton Road is “falling short” of required standards and that maintenance costs are “becoming an increasing burden”.

As a result, Christadelphian Care Homes (CCH) has applied for its replacement with a new facility.

“The quality of care provided for the residents is exceptional,” a statement submitted on its behalf says.

“However, the building is no longer fit for purpose, falling short of current standards in terms of room sizes, accessibility standards and facilities.”

The existing three-storey facility, first built in 1964, is made up of 27 rooms catered to members of the Christadelphian community, of which Bournemouth's is the second largest in the country.

Its replacement, should council planning officers approve the scheme, would provide 30 rooms alongside six independent apartments across two buildings.

It said its proposed redevelopment was “operationally challenging” because of the need to keep its 30 residents on-site throughout construction work.

“Alternative locations within the Bournemouth area have been looked for over recent years," the statement adds. "However CCH has failed to find a suitable site that could meet its requirements."

Despite admitting reconfiguring the site was “operationally challenging” due to the need to keep its 30 residents on-site throughout construction, it said the work was needed.

Construction, it says, would be phased with the new building at the rear of the plot being built before the existing home is demolished and replaced.

“We have explored a multitude of design options which focus on functionality and put the welfare of staff and residents to the forefront whilst also ensuring that the proposed buildings would not negatively impact on neighbouring properties and the character of the area,” it said.

“We believe that the quality of the proposed development will not only replace the existing building, which is currently deemed unfit, but it would also ensure the longevity and success of Fairhaven Care Home.”

Planning officers at BCP Council will consider the application in the coming weeks.