The go-ahead has been given for a £5.5 million care home in Wilsden.

Planning permission has been granted by Bradford Council to replace Laurel Bank care home, in Main Street, with larger premises on a vacant site next to Prospect Mill about 500 yards away.

Known as the New Laurel Bank, it is an upgrade on the old home, increasing capacity from 40 beds to 52 and will create 31 new jobs.

Residents and some 70 staff at Laurel Bank will transfer to the new three-storey home when it opens before Christmas next year.

Parking spaces for 30 vehicles have been approved as part of the plans.

Owner Steven Walkden, of Victorguard Care, said: "While Laurel Bank has a fantastic reputation it is the oldest home in our portfolio. We could go in and give it a makeover and plod on with it for another ten years but we feel we can do better by building a brand new one.

"All our homes have waiting lists so we know the demand is there and I believe we will fill an ever-increasing gap in the market. It's massive, has much bigger rooms and all have en-suite facilities. There are two separate dining rooms and aided and assisted baths on all floors."

Tony Caunt, of Wilsden Parish Council, said: "The parish council is delighted that this is going to go ahead. I like the design and think it blends in well with surrounding buildings.

"It will use up a very bad piece of rough ground that has been derelict for quite a considerable amount of time and will be a very good amenity for the people of Wilsden."

Councillor Margaret Eaton (Con, Bingley Rural) also welcomed the planning decision. She said: "I'm pleased because I do think such a facility is very necessary. Care of the elderly is very important and this is particularly important for Wilsden."

Victorguard Care employs more than 400 staff at three nursing homes in Bradford.

Mr Walkden also owns Beeches Nursing Home in Wibsey and Willow Bank Residential Home and retirement bungalows in Allerton. He said work was expected to take between ten and 12 months and once finished, he would concentrate on a nursing home and 42 retirement bungalows in Allerton Lane, which had received planning permission in March.

e-mail: ben.barnett@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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