A FORMER care home which was closed by the council due to a ‘number of breaches of health and safety’ is set to be converted into 24 apartments.

Rockley Dene, on Park Road, Worsbrough, was a residential care home providing accommodation for a number of people, many of whom were living with dementia.

The home was closed by Barnsley Council due to breaches of health and safety shortly before Christmas 2022 and subsequently became a ‘tip’ with waste dumped outside the site.

However, it was revealed in December that the home could be turned into a total of 24 new apartments.

These plans were given the green light by Barnsley Council’s planning board earlier this week.

A planning report said: “Kruidberg Capital have recently acquired the ex-care home at Rockley Dene and seeks planning permission for a change of use to turn the existing buildings on the site into 24 residential units.

“Kruidberg Capital have been operating for several years and is extremely passionate about providing high quality living accommodation in the Barnsley borough.

“Kruidberg is a local family-run business who are proud to be providing the local people of Barnsley with high quality living accommodation, as well as providing local tradespeople with employment.

“All dwellings have access to at least one bathroom with overhead shower, WC and sink, all finished to a high quality.

“Some of the larger units have access to en-suites, however the position of these is determined by the existing building design.

“The proposed conversion will create high-quality living space for future occupiers in the local area.”

Eight of the new apartments will have one bedroom and 16 will have two bedrooms.

The report also states there will be a ‘negligible traffic impact’ on the existing highway network, and bosses behind the scheme say it will not impact on road safety.

It added: “There have been a total of ten accidents recorded in the most recent five-year study period.

“Of the accidents recorded, eight were classified as slight and two were serious.

“No fatalities were recorded.

“It should be noted that in the immediate vicinity of the site access there have been no collisions recorded during the most recent five-year period.

“It is considered that the level of accidents recorded over the most recent period does not indicate that there is an existing road safety issue in the vicinity of the site.

“Furthermore, the development proposals will result in a negligible traffic impact and, will not therefore impact on road safety.”

Coun Jake Lodge, who represents the Worsbrough ward, told the Chronicle: “The redevelopment of both Rockley Dene sites on Park Road is a significant development for our community.

“I welcome the conditions set by the council on drainage and retaining trees on the site.

“I understand the concerns raised by residents, but I want to reassure residents that I've had contact with the developers and the council about the plans for the site since permission was sought and I'm keen to dispel any rumours about the purpose of the development.

“Whilst, I would have liked to see the buildings remain as care facilities, we also have a demand for smaller properties across our community."