**Plans Unveiled to Transform Bridgend Guesthouse into Nine-Bedroom Care Home**
A proposal to convert a well-known Bridgend guesthouse into a specialist care home has been presented to the local council, drawing both interest and anticipation from the community. Should these plans be granted approval, the project could see Parc Lodge Guest House, located on Bryntirion Hill just outside the heart of Bridgend, repurposed as a residential facility offering 24-hour care to adults with a range of complex needs.
The planning application, first lodged with the local authority in April, includes a request to alter the official use of the property from hospitality to a care home. The Accomplish Group, an organisation recognised for providing support to individuals with mental health conditions, autism, learning disabilities, and acquired brain injuries, is spearheading the initiative.
In documentation supporting their application, the Accomplish Group outlined a vision to extend their three-decades-long commitment to community-based care into the Bridgend area. They emphasise their intention to create a safe, nurturing setting where residents are empowered to live fulfilling and independent lives. “Accomplish Group seeks planning permission for a change of use to operate a specialist residential care home supporting adults with mental health needs,” the application reads. “Our operational model focuses on enabling individuals to live fun, meaningful, and independent lives within a safe and nurturing environment.”
If the plans get the green light, the facility would operate around the clock. Staffing arrangements currently propose five full-time members by day, with three overnight staff remaining awake throughout their shifts to ensure residents’ needs are met at all hours. This configuration aims to guarantee consistent support and safety for those residing at the home.
Design blueprints submitted as part of the planning process reveal that the care home would boast nine en suite bedrooms, designed to offer privacy and comfort. The layout would also incorporate a communal lounge, kitchen and dining areas intended to foster a sense of community among residents. Added conveniences such as a staff office, laundry room and four on-site parking spaces at the front of the property are also included in the proposal.
In an effort to address potential community concerns, Accomplish Group has reassured locals that it is dedicated to being sensitive to its surroundings. One of their stated goals is to integrate “seamlessly” with the Bridgend neighbourhood. They have proposed several measures designed to minimise disturbance, including comprehensive staff training in behavioural management and the implementation of staggered shift patterns to reduce comings and goings at the property.
The group also recognised the importance of sustainability and reducing their environmental impact in the planning documents. Strategies such as promoting travel training and encouraging public transport use among staff and visitors are among the suggestions offered to help decrease dependence on cars. Furthermore, the company has pledged to involve the local community and foster positive relationships wherever possible.
For Bridgend and the surrounding region, the advent of specialist care homes remains a pressing issue as demand for comprehensive mental health and specialised support services continues to rise. This latest proposal adds to ongoing conversations about the future of social care in Wales, and how facilities can best serve individuals with distinct and sometimes challenging needs.
The next step will see the plans formally reviewed by Bridgend Council’s planning department before a decision is made. Local residents, businesses, and interested parties are now awaiting the outcome, which could signal a notable change for Bryntirion Hill and the wider town.
This development remains under review, with further updates expected as the council moves to consider comments from stakeholders and the broader public. As Bridgend contemplates the future of Parc Lodge and its potential to become a vital resource for vulnerable adults, the decision will undoubtedly have lasting implications for healthcare provision and community relations in the area.