Former nursing home set to become two-bed apartments

Members of ECE studying the plans at the consultation.

The Bell Memorial Home in South Street was closed earlier this year due to a change in residents’ needs which had made operating the home ‘increasing difficult’, as well as an issue with boiler failure.

The home is now being overseen by Roffey Homes, along with ECE Planning and ECE Architecture, which is planning to turn the home into 32 residential two-bedroom apartments.

The apartments are aimed at people aged 55 and over, and each one will come with a balcony terrace, while plans so far have had a positive response.

Sam Sykes, senior planner at ECE said: “This is a great, sustainable location in Lancing. You are close to the beach, the centre and the train station.

“Today is all about talking to local residents about the plans, and getting some feedback for any improvement on what we can do to the existing building.”

Anne Slocombe, 72, is one of the residents living in Chester Road, which lies to the back of the residential home.

She said: “This is where we all live and they sent us all a letter about the consultation today. They are listening to what residents have said, and whose homes may be affected. Everybody is fearful of change but they are listening.”

It has also been proposed the redeveloped site will have 32 parking spaces, with one space for each apartment, as well as new landscaping.

The apartments will be formed across two floors, while the terrace balconies are said to offer ‘southerly’ views so residents can clearly see the seafront, the beach, and Beach Green.

Paul Fender, architect on the project added: “This is a great opportunity for regeneration in Lancing. It is one of the first landmarks you see turning into Lancing, and that can only be good for the town.”

ECE are hoping to apply for planning permission for the flats in around three months time, with an aim to start work next year.

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