Former Eastbourne care home could be converted into family flats

The Shires, in Gorringe Road, used to be a care home for 11 residents but has been vacant since January 2022, plans submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council say. The home used to accommodate 11 bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, conservatory, kitchen, laundry, office, and bathroom/shower rooms. It also employed the equivalent of 22 full-time members of staff.

According to the plans: “The former care home closed down due to problems competing with the newer, purpose-built care homes in the local area. There is a growing number of purpose-built care homes in Eastbourne and it was not financially viable or practically possible to adapt The Shires to meet the currency care home standards.”

The site was originally two family dwellings which were merged and extended to create the care home. If approved, the site would be converted into three family flats which could accommodate up to 15 residents.

In terms of external changes, it’s been proposed to demolish the existing conservatory to increase natural lighting for the flats, and a roof terrace and external staircase would be created.

There’s no car spaces currently, and none proposed. There are nine new cycle spaces proposed.

Members of the public can comment until February 23 and the target determination date is March 20 (reference: 230049).

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