-
Stisted Hall is to be replaced due to the inability to extend
the hall because of planning restrictions, the high demand for care for
elderly Freemasons and their dependants and the new regulations affecting
the running of care homes.
-
Many sites were identified but 3 possible sites fitted the
criteria. One was of particular interest which was in Bocking.
-
The decision to replace the Home locally was made for 3 reasons:
-
For the Residents and visiting relatives and friends
-
For the good staff team to keep them together
-
For the very supportive Association of Friends
-
The preferred site is in Bocking and in 2006 the charity
secured a legal option to purchase and duly exchanged contracts.
-
The RMBI's lawyers established that part of the land was
Leasehold, with a Lease dating back to the Armada with no known owner.
-
A 'due process' in legal terms had to be completed under
the Leasehold Reform Act to acquire the Freehold and extinguish the Lease.
This has now taken place.
-
During the same time as the site was being acquired, and
the legal process taking place, a design team was established for the new
Home to work towards planning permission.
-
The exchanged contract to purchase the site is now being
completed as swiftly as possible by the RMBI's solicitors.
-
Detailed drawings will be finalised following further consultation
with the planning officers.
-
Residents, relatives, staff and other representatives will
receive a presentation prior to the planning application being submitted.
-
Once all observations have been considered, our 'new neighbours'
will be invited to a meeting at Stisted Hall to see our proposals and the
type of care Home that the charity provides.
-
The planning application will be made as soon as possible
after this process.
-
Once the planning permission has been received, the development
work will be put out to tender and the contract let as quickly as possible.
-
The earliest time that it is envisaged for the new Home to
be completed is 18 - 24 months and this is if everything goes smoothly.
However it is not anticipated that it will take in excess of 36 months
from January 2007.
-
The new Home will have an increased capacity in the number
of bedrooms over the existing Stisted Hall (this, subject to negotiation
with the Planners). Many activity rooms and lounges will be provided
and the garden will be laid out in a pleasant way so that each room will
benefit from a different aspect of the garden.
-
You will be consulted and given regular news updates throughout
the above process.
Remember
To the Association of Friends of PEDOKC (Essex) the interest
of the Residents is paramount.
T.G. Penman PAG Reg. Chairman
|