Crossways care home set for expansion despite concerns

Crossways in Lostock Gralam has been granted permission for an extension, which will see the home grow from 39 rooms to 51.

This comes despite concerns from neighbours regarding things such as traffic, maintenance, and privacy.

One nearby resident questioned the need for such a project at the Station Road home.

“With the existing three care homes already in the Lostock Gralam area, four if you include Crossways, the need for the extra bedrooms should be fully proven and independently scrutinised,” they said.

They added: “The increase in traffic is another concern if the extension does go ahead. The roads around Crossways currently experience a high volume of traffic.

“The safety of pedestrians, particularly local school children is of concern.”

Another neighbour, whose property backs onto the care home, said: “We already have a history of issues with the maintenance of trees on their land.

“On more than one occasion trees have fallen causing varying degrees of damage to our fences and sheds and our concern is that if the trees are not addressed within this plan there will be further problems to come.

Crossways currently provides care for 39 residents (Image: Google Maps)

“Further to this we need to ensure that privacy is maintained for us and our neighbours.”

The proposals include the demolition of some of the existing accommodation and garages which are not used for parking.

This will be replaced with a single-storey block of bedrooms and day space.

All 12 of the bedrooms in this extension will have en suites.

There will also be alterations to the ground floor as well as the installation of a balcony on the first floor.

A planning statement included in the application reads: “The new layout looks to improve on the existing and enhance this by creating central day spaces accessible to all.

“The new wing also has the benefit of day space to this area of the home, bathing facilities and also access to day space and garden.”

It adds: “The design looks to minimise impact and blend into the existing whilst giving the maximum benefit to the residents at the home.”

Improvements will be made to the home's car park (Image: Google Maps)

Alterations will also be made to the driveway, with the planning statement describing the current parking situation as 'ad-hoc and unorganised'.

“These small changes allow a more ordered and increased car parking area,” the statement adds.

Cheshire West and Chester Council approved the planning application on May 9, under the conditions that a tree protection plan is carried out and that no ‘retained tree’ is altered in the next five years 'in the interests of visual amenity'.