Grafton aged care facility gets nod to expand

AN application to expand and redevelop an existing aged care facility at 125 Crown St, Grafton, and increase the number of beds to 113, has been approved.

CUPPA AND A CHAT: Member for Page Kevin Hogan speaks with residents and carers at the Whiddon Group Aged Care Facility in Grafton, which is being expanded. Photo: Adam Hourigan

THE Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel has conditionally approved an application to expand and redevelop an existing aged care facility at 125 Crown St, Grafton, and increase the number of beds to 113.

The application from Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes seeks to:

 Increase the number of beds in the aged care facility from 66 to 113.

 Build a new two-storey residential aged care facility in two phases.

Panel Chair Garry West said the application addressed the necessary requirements of planning legislation, including state policies and provisions of Clarence Valley Council.

"The panel has determined the expansion of this local aged care facility is in the public interest and caters for a growing ageing demographic," Mr West said. "The first stage of the panel's approval will allow for a new building to be constructed on currently empty lots on Queen St.

"This will allow a new 54-bed facility that will host current residents while the existing aged care residence is demolished.

"The second stage allows the construction of another new building, which will provide another 59 beds.

"Conditions of approval require working hours to be restricted from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. No construction work is permitted on Saturdays or Sundays.

"A Construction Management Plan and Traffic Management Plan will need to be approved that reduce potential impacts to the local area and existing aged care facility operations.

"Existing street parking will be maintained. The development must not reduce on-street parking at the front of the site."

The development application was referred to the Regional Panel because it has a capital investment value in excess of$20 million.

More information on the regional panels can be found at the website http://www.jrpp.nsw.gov.au.

Originally published as Grafton aged care facility gets nod to expand