Bushey councillors back plan to dispose of former care home site.

Councillors have approved plans to dispose of a former care home site in Bushey that has been deemed’surplus to requirements’.

The former Heath House care home on Elstree Road closed in May 2023 and was handed back to Herts County Council by the leaseholder. The property is currently vacant.

Officers from Herts County Council reviewed the property and determined that there is no current or anticipated need for it to be used for county council purposes.

According to a report submitted to the council’s resources and performance cabinet panel on Friday, March 14, “it is recommended that the property be declared surplus to requirements and suitable for disposal.”

It continued, “Heath House was built in the late 1990s as a 62-bed care home. The facility was designed with lower spatial standards than modern care homes, so it was deprioritized by both QCL and the County Council.

“The property is not currently or in the future required for County Council services.” As a result, it is recommended that it be declared surplus and sold for the best price.

“Planning advice has indicated that Hertsmere Borough Council, as Local Planning Authority, may only consider alternative uses for the site if it can be demonstrated that there is no ongoing need for a care home in the wider market or for community uses.

“Given the age of the existing care home, and the investment required to convert the property to modern standards, it is unlikely that a leasehold offer at an acceptable level would be received but officers will consider any bids received as part of the recommendations on terms.”

Addressing the chairman, Cllr Bob Deering, Cllr Laurence Bass stated: “You may recall that over a year ago, I wrote to you about this particular site and mentioned that it would be an ideal location for the Jewish community to rebuild their synagogue, which is now no longer fit for purpose.

“You responded to me at the time, and I remember you saying, ‘I don’t want to set the hare running’. So, if we agree on this recommendation, I’m very pleased that the hare will finally be running this morning.

“If the panel decides this morning to declare the site surplus, which has been a long time coming – I’ve been nagging about it for at least two years – then I hope those who are interested will assist me and we’ll put together a very good scheme.

“I know that there is extraordinary keen interest in this site.”

Cllr Seamus Quilty, the local member for Bushey, stated, “I am very content with the recommendation that’s put before this panel this morning and I urge everyone to support it.”

Councillors unanimously approved the proposal.

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