EARLY plans for a new, bespoke residential home have been approved at a meeting of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC)’s Cabinet last Wednesday (6th December).

As reported in last week’s Beacon, Severn View Residential Home, opened in 1979, could be closed as part of plans to construct a new care facility on Crick Road near Caldicot.

Severn View currently comprises 25 long term beds for people living with dementia, four short term respite beds for people living with dementia, and one long term bed for older frail people.

The report which went before councillors said the development would be an “unique opportunity for Monmouthshire to lead within the county and nationally” in a facility that would provide 24 hour care.

It added that the new care home, and the closure of Severn View, would “ensure a sustainable and long term role in the provision of residential services for people living with dementia.”

Capital costs for the venture have been calculated between £3.8m and £4m, while figures in the report state a valuation of Severn View Residential Home gives an initial estimate of £750,000 sale value.

Improvements in efficiency mean the council should see a £12,670 saving on the annual budget.

A decision was made that Cabinet give approval for the formal commencement of the second phase of the project. Phase one explored the feasibility of the project and the development of initial designs and associated costs. Phase two will see the development of a formal business case.

The decision to re-provide Severn View Care Home on the Crick Road site subject to subsequent approval of the detailed business case was approved.

Colin Richardson, current manager of Severn View, told the meeting it is a “very exciting project” and described it as an opportunity, but conceded there is still a lot of work to do.

“It is about having a view to the future,” he said. “There is a shelf life for Severn View; it’s not immediate but it is important to plan for the future.”