A FORMER care home in Burham-on-Sea could become a new 37-bedroom HMO (home in multiple occupation) under new plans submitted to Somerset Council.

Almo Holdings Ltd has applied to convert the former Hillview Nursing Home (which closed in 2022) on Berrow Road into residential accomodation for several people.

It is proposed that the building's 37 rooms are converted into studio bedrooms ranging from nine to 21 square-metres in size.

In addition to this, five communal kitchen/dining spaces are among the plans, as are five bath/shower rooms on the first floor, along with additional toilets.

There would also be a mixture of different communal spaces, including two 'hot desk workspaces' on the ground floor, along with a large communal lounge and separate dining area.

Outside the building, a safe storage space for up to 38 bicycles is among the plans.

Only ten parking spaces are proposed for the site, two less than the current 12 spaces, although the applicant ensures this number is sufficient to 'accommodate resident and visitor demand.'

Hillview Nursing Home was forced to close in August 2022, after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) took “enforcement action” against it. 

At the time of closure, Amanda Stride, CQC’s head of inspection, said: “We can confirm that following inspections on July 6 and 14, CQC have taken enforcement action at Hillview Nursing Home, Burnham on Sea.

“Any enforcement action CQC take is subject to legal challenge and we will publish our findings and report the action taken once we are able to do so.”

The nursing home apologised for its closure and said it would cooperate with the CQC whilst it carried out its review of quality. 

Hillview's leadership team were consequently suspended amid an internal review process to identify any necessary improvements. 

A spokesperson for Hillview Nursing Home said: “The safety and welfare of our residents is our number one priority at all times.

“We are sorry that this matter has led to the closure of Hillview, but are glad that our residents have been resettled safely pending the outcome of further inquiries.

“As soon as we discovered issues of potential concern, we carried out internal quality assurance checks to ensure the welfare of our residents and suspended the leadership of the nursing home pending full investigation."

To keep up to date on the future of the Hillview Nursing Home building, search the application number 11/23/00128 on the Somerset Council website.

Consultation on the plans to convert it into an HMO is now open, but closes on Friday, 9 February - approval could be given from Saturday, February 10.