Care home owner that '˜risked the lives of vulnerable people' seeks approval to convert into house

A care home that risked the lives of vulnerable people could soon be turned into residential property, following an application submitted to Chichester District Council.
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Devonia Care Home in Main Road, Southbourne, was closed earlier this year after failing an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Owner Helen Green appeared before Worthing Magistrates Court on Friday, June 24, for failing to comply with enforcement and prohibition notices, and was fined a total of almost £5,000.

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It was reported that the case was so serious that in the event of a fire the owner could have faced manslaughter charges.

Now, her and her husband have submitted an application to change the use of the building into a house.

Within the application, Helen Green said: “Unfortunately due to problems beyond our control the business ceased in December 2015.

“We would like to convert it back to residential as we have someone who wishes to live there as their private residence.

“It has not been possible to sell as a going concern.”

If approved, the application will not see any external or internal building work.

You can view the plan on the CDC website with the reference: 16/02812/COU