7 Hampshire care homes set to close in £173m shake-up

The authority is proposing to shut "older-style" sites including Bishop's Waltham House, Westholme in Winchester, Solent Mead in Lymington, and Cranleigh Paddock in Lyndhurst.

Cranleigh Paddock and Copper Beeches in Andover closed "temporarily" in 2021.

Speaking at the time, Cllr Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and public health, said: "We plan for all temporarily closed homes to reopen in the near future."

Care home workers have accused her of breaking her word following the release of plans to axe Cranleigh Paddock and six other sites.

But the authority is proposing to open three new homes and extend three others. One of the new facilities will be at Kingsworthy, near Winchester, while another will be somewhere in the New Forest.

The number of beds at county council-run homes across Hampshire will rise from 900 to 1,000 if the changes are approved.

READ MORE: Cranleigh Paddock residential care home to close 'temporarily'

Lyndhurst Parish Council said it was "saddened" by the proposed sale of Cranleigh Paddock.

Chairman Chris Willshire told the Daily Echo: said: "It has been a valued community asset and we had hoped it could be adapted to provide much-needed affordable housing.

"We very much hope that it can in some way be retained as a site for the benefit of our community."

A county council spokesperson added: "We want to be able to offer local people the very best care accommodation in facilities that are modern and comfortable.

"Many of our current homes are ageing, with buildings and layouts that have severe limitations for staff and poor personal space for residents.

"Our plans propose transforming our existing portfolio of homes, with new buildings and expansions, while at the same time permanently closing seven of our older-style homes."

READ MORE: Struggling council-run care homes 'will not shut down'

A final decision is due to be taken by Cllr Fairhurst next month.

"Should the decision be to close the homes, expert social care support would be provided to assist those residents affected and their families to find alternative, suitable accommodation within close proximity of the existing homes."

New Forest county councillor David Harrison said: "I completely understand the affection many people have for the homes set for closure.

"However, visits and officer reports have confirmed the buildings are no longer suitable for use in line with modern-day standards."

Copper Beeches in Andover, Green Meadows in Denmead and Malmsbury Lawn in Havant are among the sites due to shut.

Cllr Fairhurst was approached by the Daily Echo but did not respond to a request for comment.