Barley Manor is located in the village of Great Shelford, a short distance from Cambridge. The 63-bed care home provides 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. It is purpose-built, providing a wide range of facilities for residents. Major planning and site constraints were overcome to deliver the project.

Our involvement began with a site appraisal and strategy advice to assist in the acquisition of the site. We then led pre-application discussions with the Local Planning Authority and Parish Council. Following community consultation, we prepared, submitted and successfully negotiated a planning application for the redevelopment of the site, addressing key matters such as the existing employment use, contamination, noise and residential amenity.

We assisted the wider project team during the construction stage, securing timely amendments to the scheme, including the phasing of conditions owing to a highly complex decontamination process. The relationship we built with Officers minimised delay and uncertainty during construction.

Being involved from the very start to the opening of the scheme enabled us to act proactively to identify and address potential planning issues. This also enabled us to build strong working relationships with Officers and the local community. We were in regular dialogue with the Parish Council and local residents, seeking to address any concerns they may have had. Ultimately, this enable planning permission to be granted via delegated powers. The development has remediated a highly contaminated site in the centre of the village and is contributing towards meeting the need for this specialist form of accommodation in the area.