New image shows how Lavender Care Home apartments will look

The Millennium Care Group is developing Porritt Care Village at the existing Lavender Care Home in Stubbins Vale Road, near Edenfield and Ramsbottom.

Rossendale Council recently gave planning permission for the extensions, saying very special reasons had been shown to justify such a scheme in the green belt. Councillors said they recognised the importance of care services and financial investment in construction and care jobs.

But some Rossendale councillors, such as the Green Party’s Bob Bauld, also want the new care buildings to include more sustainable energy systems.

Cllr Bob Bauld (Picture: Rossendale Council)

And some councillors said it was unfortunate that the site’s rural location meant it is unlikely residents or visitors will spend money in smaller shops or amenities in neighbouring towns or villages.

Details of the new development include apartments, a dedicated men-only floor, rooftop terraces and some facilities open to the wider community, such as a bistro and walks.

Millennium currently operates four care homes in the north-west. It said the new Stubbins Vale Road care village will address various needs including the "critical issue" of elderly care and isolation experienced by men.

One floor will offer special support for 12 male residents.

Stacey Astin, group regional manager at Millennium Care, said: “We’re delighted that our care village plan was approved.

"Having previously been the home manager at Lavender Hills Care Home, and a local resident myself, I know how important this development will be for the Rossendale community.

“Millennium Care will now be able to offer peace-of-mind to current and future residents and their families in an amazing setting while supporting the local community through various opportunities.”

The new care village has been designed by Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA), which specialises in healthcare projects, Millennium Care said.

The layout will harmonise with the existing care home, a Victorian mansion,  and the surrounding landscape, ensuring that current views are preserved while enhancing natural surroundings, the developers said.

New communal spaces will include bird observation huts, a bistro, and scenic walkways.

Bob Woollard, a lead planner for the scheme and director of the P&D Group of design consultants, spoke at the recent Rossendale Council planning meeting.

Speaking since, he said: “Achieving planning permission for the Porritt Care Village is a huge milestone in the creation of this highly innovative model of dementia care and a significant step forward for care in Rossendale and the UK.

“The Millennium Care team worked closely with Rossendale Council and the community to engage with them in the plans.

"Despite significant planning challenges relating to the green belt location, we were able to clearly demonstrate the substantial public benefits that will be delivered, presenting the very special circumstances that led to a unanimous vote of approval from the council’s planning committee.”