Plans for a staff accommodation caravan at Fairfield Nursing Home in Johnston, Pembrokeshire, received approval from the county’s planners. This decision supports the ongoing operation of the nursing home by enabling the facility to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Dr. R C Chaudhry applied for retrospective permission to site a static caravan for staff accommodation at the care home, located on Church Road. According to a statement from his representatives, Gerald Blain Associates Limited, the caravan is crucial for ensuring that staffing levels remain consistent, particularly during periods of staff absence due to sickness, maternity leave, or annual leave.
Support for Care Home Operations
The application emphasized that the static caravan is an ancillary facility necessary for the effective functioning of the established care home. In their submission, the representatives stated, “The proposal is directly linked to the operation of the care facility and is required to ensure safe staffing levels can be maintained.”
The report also asserted that the caravan’s modest scale and appropriate design would offer an immediate solution to staffing needs. Existing fencing and vegetation, along with proposed new planting, will provide adequate screening to protect the amenity of nearby residents and caravan occupants.
The application noted that the proposal would not significantly increase traffic or parking demands, as the site is well-served by existing access and parking facilities. Additionally, it indicated that the static caravan would connect to the existing mains drainage system, with all other services sourced from the care home.
Conditional Approval Granted
The officer report recommending approval highlighted that the caravan would be positioned discreetly within the site, ensuring it would not detrimentally impact the visual aspect of the surrounding area. The report stated, “The use as overspill staff accommodation for the care home would be a use compatible with the site and wider area.”
The Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning authority conditionally approved the application, allowing the nursing home to proceed with the development. The decision underscores the importance of providing adequate accommodations for staff to ensure the continuous and effective operation of care facilities, particularly in times of increased demand for personnel.
Overall, the approval reflects a balanced approach to supporting essential healthcare services while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding community.
