Consultation is underway over plans to develop a new care home in Rockwell Green

A plot on the West side of Rockwell Green, south of Exeter Road has been earmarked for a new 72-bedroom care home.

The plans have not received approval from the planning authorities, but surveyors have been seen on site in recent days.

The plans have been put forward by a national firm which provides residential care for elderly people. Care UK are seeking to build a new care home on land south of Exeter Road, in Rockwell Green.

If approved it would deliver a 72-bedroom facility with specialist residential, nursing and dementia care. The firm says the care home would create 74 new full-time jobs.

In support of the proposals Care UK has highlighted the government's planning guidance which says the demand for older people's housing is "critical."

Care UK are holding a public consultation from Monday, September 11 to Sunday October 1. They have invited residents to share their views by email, and to attend a public meeting on Thursday, September 21.

Wellington's mayor Marcus Barr welcomed the jobs the project could bring. He said: "There is no doubt we need more places to provide care for our elderly residents and I welcome the creation of new jobs."

Care UK said: "We are committed to limiting any impact on the local community that this development may have. Should the proposed development go ahead, a construction management plan would be put in place to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding homes and roads during the construction phase of the project.

"The scheme will also deliver economic benefits to the local community, with jobs created during the construction phase and once the home is operational."

Information on the proposal and consultation can be viewed on the project website: https://bit.ly/cukwell.

* Correction: This articlehas been amended to reflect the fact the care home is planned for a plot to the west of Rockwell Green, not on land between Rockwell Green and Wellington, as initially reported.