PLANS to build a new 66-bed care home in Otley are being put to residents in the town at a public consultation next week.

Torsion Care is inviting residents to comment on its proposals for a 'state-of-the-art' home off Pool Road through a public meeting and an online survey before a planning application is made.

The identified site, currently a large domestic property, is accessed from Pool Road and is adjacent to Otley Garden Centre. It would be reached via the external car park to the north and include vehicle and bicycle parking for visitors and staff. A new footpath to the site from Pool Road is included to increase accessibility and permeability.

The proposals would help to meet a growing need for specialised and bespoke high quality care provision with en-suite bedrooms, lounges, dining areas and recreation spaces in a landscaped setting. The care home would be operated by Torsion Care’s sister company, Torwood Care.

Ian Ward, development director at Torsion Care said: “This public consultation is an opportunity for the community to learn more and comment on our exciting plans for a new, modern and sustainable care home in Otley.

“We know there is a growing need for first-class, modern care home provision to meet current and future needs. Our proposal in Otley would repurpose this attractive site and help to meet care needs within a green landscaped setting to promote the welfare and wellbeing of users.

“We hope to see as many as people as possible at our public drop-in exhibition at Otley Town Football Club.”

Torsion Care design its care homes to meet a high standard of sustainability, including solar panels on the roof and air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water to the care home. Wall and roof insulation and low energy lighting will be included, with an expectation of achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A.

The plans include landscape planting across the site and significant tree and shrub retention to promote biodiversity and wellbeing. The care home would back on to green areas including an outdoor activity space and a ‘quiet garden’. Buffer planting is also proposed alongside sections of the care home’s ground floor.

The website states: "A new care home on this site would meet an identified local need for specialised and bespoke high quality care provision. Otley and the surrounding areas have a growing senior population and requirement for modern care home provision is increasing. With only one care home built in Otley in the last two decades and projected demand for an additional 259 wet room care beds by 2025, this proposal for a new high quality and modern care home would help to meet that growing need."

The new care home would support a range of full and part time roles.

A public drop-in exhibition session is taking place on Thursday, August 17, between 4pm and 7pm at Otley Town Football Club, Pool Road.

A leaflet with freepost feedback is being distributed locally.

The survey can be accessed at: www.torsioncareotley.co.uk Following public consultation a planning application will be submitted to Leeds City Council for determination.