A community is hoping Leeds City Council will continue to back its bid to run a Rothwell care home despite plans for a nearby private sector home surfacing.
Those behind the proposed takeover of Dolphin Manor Care Home, on Stone Brig Lane, Rothwell, fear that Ideal Care Homes’ (IDC) plans to build in nearby Oulton could scupper the potentially landmark deal.
Members of the Dolphin Manor Trust, which consists of 10 former councillors, health care experts and relatives of residents, only handed in draft plans to takeover the closure-threatened facility in July.
But it is feared the council’s commitment to the scheme could waver after plans to turn the old Bentley Arms pub, on Wakefield Road, Oulton, into a 64-bed home were submitted.
Coun Stewart Golton (Lib Dem, Rothwell) said: “The only fear is that the council sees we have got this private sector alternative willing to open in the area and we don’t need to worry about Dolphin Manor.
“They have said that they are fully supportive of seeing the developing of the social enterprise model going forward.”
He said keeping Dolphin Manor will give variety in health care, secure jobs and avoid moving elderly residents.
Earlier this year trust chairman James Normington said it was “crucial” for Rothwell to keep Dolphin Manor – but if the trust fails in its takeover bid, the home will close once a private alternative is found.
The former Bentley Arms building, which is currently a restaurant, would be demolished as part of a multi-million pound investment by IDC in a new purpose-built facility.
Nick Broadbent, of IDC, said: “There is a massively aging population that needs care so that general demographic is going to impose pressure on providing greater care facilities.”
A council spokeswoman said: “We continue to work with the Dolphin Manor Trust and look forward to receiving their final business case.”
To view the plans, visit www.planningapplications.leeds.gov.uk and search 12/04261/FU.
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