A NEW 66-bedroom care home could be built in Basildon less than a year after another one on the site closed down.

Fresh proposals are set to be agreed by councillors next week for the care home to replace the former Ghyllgrove care home, Ghyllgrove Close, Basildon.

Last March, the care home bosses said they had no option but to close its doors permanently after a drop in demand.

The former care home on the site was the focus of a court case last year over claims a woman with dementia was attacked, but the jury found two women not guilty.

Basildon Council’s planning committee will decide on the plans next Wednesday and is demanding the developer offers a financial contribution of £6,132 and work on a travel plan for users and families.

The proposal would also see the demolition of two existing blocks, together with one wing of the former care home, removing 55 existing bedrooms, 70 bed spaces from the site.

It is to be laid out in a H-shaped building with its main entrance facing to the north and the building is to contain 66 single rooms with en-suite facilities.

The building is to be laid out over two floors, with the ground floor containing the reception area, small cafe, a small cinema room, two lounge and dining rooms, garden rooms, clinic, lifts, two toilets and assisted bathrooms in the central “hub” part of the building; the staff and “back of house” facilities, such a kitchen, laundry, plant room and stores in the north-west wing, with 24 bedrooms comprising the remainder of this floor.

The report by council planning officers says: “Whilst the first floor would have a further 42 bedrooms, and further two lounge and or dining areas, salon, two quiet lounges, and assisted bathrooms. Stairwells to the upper floor would be located in the reception area, and in each of the corners of the building.

“Overall, the proposal would see the provision of a replacement care home on part of this former care home site providing modern up to date facilities for residents.”

Back in March last year, HC-One, which owns the former care home said the decision to close had “not been taken lightly” but the “demand for this type of service” prompted the decision to withdraw services in the area.