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Welcome our public consultation on Melton Care Village

Welcome to the public consultation for the proposed new, much-needed Care Village on Yarmouth Road, Melton. We are excited to share the details of the plans with you and hear your thoughts. This consultation provides an opportunity for you to learn more about the proposals before they are submitted to East Suffolk Council.

The consultation will be open until Sunday 26^th January, and we encourage you to share your opinions and ask any questions you may have.

You can share your feedback in the following ways:

Online Feedback Form
Email: Meltoncarevillage@havingyoursay.co.uk
Phone: Speak to a member of our team at 0844 556 3002 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)

We are committed to ensuring that everyone’s views are heard, and all feedback will be considered when finalising the development plans.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Site History

The site is on Yarmouth Road, as shown on the map. The land itself has been used for agricultural purposes for many years but is well-connected to the surrounding residential areas, offering a unique opportunity for a carefully planned development.

The site is relatively flat and consists of open fields. There is also an existing disused quarry along the eastern side of the site, which adds to the natural landscape.

In terms of access, the site is located approximately 600 metres from the village centre of Melton, a vibrant community with a wide range of local amenities such as shops, schools, and healthcare services. The site also has good transport links, with bus stops nearby and easy access to major roads leading to neighbouring towns and the coast.

Importantly, the site is visually and physically separated from the Special Landscape Area to the east and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to the south-east. This separation is due to the presence of existing vegetation, mature trees, and surrounding built form, meaning any development will have limited impact on these sensitive landscapes.

Proposals

The new care village will be owned and managed by Carlton Hall, an experienced care village operator. Our facilities are designed to provide residents with fulfilment, dignity and independence in their homes, whilst ensuring they feel support is available wherever and whenever it is needed. Resident’s privacy will be respected, with individuals given personal choice and rights to make their own lifestyle decisions.

Our vision is for a care village designed to meet the needs of elderly residents requiring assisted living. The development will create a sustainable, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters independence while ensuring high levels of care and support.

The key components of the proposal include:

Care Home

A 64-bedroom, two-storey care home will provide accommodation for residents who require round-the-clock care. The building will feature a range of communal areas, including dining rooms, cafes, sitting rooms, a cinema room, and hair salon, alongside staff facilities such as laundry rooms and management offices. These spaces are designed to provide comfort and promote a strong sense of community.

Clubhouse/Cafe

Located centrally within the care village, the clubhouse and cafe will serve as a social hub for residents. It will offer a range of activities and events for residents, with spaces for family and community gatherings.

Assisted Living Bungalows

40 single-storey bungalows for residents who are more independent but would appreciate the peace of mind provided by having assistance readily available. Each bungalow will have private outdoor space, with parking, gardens, and easy access to the communal areas. The layout of the bungalows is designed to promote social interaction while also respecting privacy.

The layout of the development has been carefully designed to make efficient use of the land while maintaining a high standard of landscaping. Ample green space will be provided throughout the site, with informal walking areas, communal gardens, and places for relaxation. A central green area will include seating, a pond, and a well-planned pathway network. A dedicated bowling green will be included for residents’ leisure and entertainment.

It is envisioned the clubhouse and communal outdoor spaces will host events such as an annual fete, summer barbeque, bonfire and fireworks eve and a Christmas fayre, all of which will be open to residents and the local community. There will be a minibus and smaller vehicle for trips out into the community with visits to the seaside.

The design seeks to integrate the development into the local area, ensuring that it complements the existing built form and surrounding environment, both visually and socially.

Meeting Local Need

The local area is experiencing a significant and growing shortfall in housing and care facilities for older people. The Council’s own data shows that, on average, 59 specialist housing units and 51 care home bed spaces are needed annually from 2014 to 2036. Yet, from 2016 to 2023, actual delivery fell far short:

Specialist housing: 413 units needed, but only 64 completed.
Care home spaces: 357 needed, but just 9 completed.

Looking forward, the situation is worsening. The Council’s recent housing assessments show that the pipeline for care accommodation between 2024-2029 will result in a net loss of 35 units. This means the gap between supply and demand is growing, leaving elderly residents at risk of lacking appropriate housing and care.

Our vision directly responds to the pressing need for elderly housing and care facilities in East Suffolk. By providing 64 care home beds, it addresses 125% of the typical annual shortfall identified in Council data. The 40 assisted living homes will also contribute significantly to the unmet demand for specialist housing, offering modern, accessible accommodation designed to help older residents maintain independence while receiving necessary support.

The shortfall in care facilities and specialist housing in East Suffolk has been widely acknowledged in planning discussions, appeals, and Council reports. This proposal not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to a longer-term strategy to provide adequate housing for older residents.

By delivering a significant number of care home beds and assisted living units, this development represents a major step toward addressing East Suffolk’s housing and care challenges. It ensures that more residents can access the facilities and support they need to age with dignity and comfort.

Technical Considerations

Air Quality

We have taken steps to ensure that the proposed development will not have a detrimental impact on local air quality. The design of the care village incorporates measures to ensure that emissions from traffic and the operation of the facility are well-managed. Additionally, green spaces and trees will be maintained and enhanced to improve air quality and the overall environment.

Ecology

Our plans have been designed to avoid any significant negative impacts on local wildlife. The site contains a number of mature trees and hedgerows that support various species, including birds and bats. We will ensure these habitats are protected during construction and aim to enhance them where possible. The development will include measures to improve biodiversity, such as additional planting, wildlife corridors, and the creation of new habitats.

Heritage

The proposed development respects the character and heritage of the surrounding area, including nearby Melton Lodge and its conservation area. The design will incorporate building materials and styles that complement the local architectural heritage, while also ensuring that the new development does not dominate the existing built environment.

Drainage

A sustainable drainage strategy has been developed to manage surface water runoff and avoid flooding. A stormwater attenuation pond will be located at the lowest point of the site, ensuring that any excess water is safely managed. This pond will also provide an attractive feature for residents and will be incorporated into the overall landscaping plan for the site.

Green Infrastructure

As part of our commitment to creating a sustainable and well-integrated development, we have placed great emphasis on green infrastructure and ecological considerations. The layout of the proposed development will ensure that the built form is contained within a framework of open space, helping to preserve and enhance the local landscape.

Open Space
The design includes a substantial area of open space, particularly along the southern boundary of the site, which will include a mix of amenity grass, wildflower meadows, tree and shrub planting, and new hedgerows. This not only provides recreational space for residents but also strengthens the connection between the development and the surrounding natural environment. The development envelope will be softened through landscaping, which will include street trees and feature planting to break up the massing of the buildings and provide a more visually appealing and integrated environment.

In addition, the layout of the development incorporates structural planting and designated areas that can support additional trees, helping to create a green network throughout the site. This network will help the development blend more seamlessly into its surroundings, enhancing the overall quality of the built environment and promoting biodiversity.
Landscape Scheme and Design
At the detailed design stage, we will implement a high-quality landscape scheme that reflects the local character of the area. This will include the selection of native species for trees, woodland, and hedgerows to support local wildlife. Over time, the landscape planting will mature, enhancing the visual quality of the development and contributing to a greener, healthier environment for all.
Ecology and Wildlife Protection
While the majority of the site is currently of low wildlife value due to its agricultural use, the existing woodland on site is an important ecological feature, providing habitats for a variety of species. This woodland will be retained, ensuring continued opportunities for breeding birds and foraging bats, and minimising disturbance to the local wildlife.

We are also planning to install wildlife boxes on trees in the woodland and around the site boundaries to further support local species. A surface water attenuation pond will be included as part of the development, providing a habitat for birds, dragonflies, bats, and a wide variety of invertebrates, further contributing to the ecological value of the site.

Through these efforts, we aim to create a sustainable, wildlife-friendly development that enhances the natural environment and provides valuable green space for both residents and wildlife.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of our proposed development, with a focus on creating an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible community. The design aims to reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and provide a high-quality living environment for current and future generations.

Energy Efficiency and Building Design
A key principle of the development is to create buildings that are energy efficient. This will be achieved by ensuring that they are well-insulated to reduce energy consumption. The building orientation will be carefully planned to maximise solar gain, allowing natural light to penetrate as many spaces as possible and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The materials used for the buildings will be selected to retain heat during the winter, further improving energy efficiency.

Tree Planting and CO2 Reduction
Tree planting will be integrated into the development to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon and improving air quality, and their inclusion will help mitigate the environmental impact of the built environment.

Water Conservation
To promote water efficiency, we will explore the use of rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling systems. These systems will allow for the collection and reuse of rainwater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, reducing the demand on local water supplies. The development will aim to meet the highest standards for water reclamation and conservation.

Renewable Energy Considerations
At the detailed design stage, we will consider renewable energy options to reduce the reliance on traditional energy sources. This could include the use of solar panels, heat pumps, or other sustainable energy technologies, ensuring the development contributes to reducing its environmental footprint.

Sustainable Drainage and Flood Mitigation
To address climate change and its potential impact, the development will include Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). These systems will manage surface water runoff and help prevent flooding while promoting biodiversity. SuDS, combined with other climate change adaptation measures, will ensure the development is resilient to future environmental challenges. Overall, the sustainability measures incorporated into the development will not only reduce its environmental impact but also contribute to creating a healthier, more resilient, and energy-efficient community.

About Us

Carlton Hall is an established care provider with a long history of delivering high-quality care in comfortable, supportive environments. Our goal is to provide residents with the highest standard of care, promoting independence while ensuring that they have access to the support they need. We have a track record of successful developments and are committed to working closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that our projects benefit everyone.

Our team is dedicated to creating spaces that foster wellbeing, community, and sustainability. We understand the importance of connecting with the local community and ensuring that our developments are well-integrated into the fabric of the area. As part of this commitment, we welcome the opportunity to engage with local residents and stakeholders during the consultation process to make sure that their views are taken into account.