Post planning redesign delivering a compliant specialist dementia care home
This project involved the post-planning redevelopment of a new-build care home providing specialist dementia care. Our appointment followed the grant of planning permission; however, it became clear at an early stage that the approved scheme did not comply with fundamental Building Regulations requirements and failed to adequately address site constraints, including an adjacent drainage dyke subject to easements. Our role was to reassess and rework the scheme to deliver a compliant, buildable, and high-quality care environment within the parameters of the approved development.
The building is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and dignified environment for residents with complex care needs. The revised scheme incorporates generously sized internal spaces throughout, recognising the importance of space, clarity, and ease of movement in dementia care settings. Accommodation includes spacious En-suite bedrooms, wide and easily navigable corridors, and a range of communal spaces that support social interaction, familiarity, and a strong sense of community.
A clear and welcoming main entrance forms a key part of the building’s organisation, providing a strong sense of arrival for residents, visitors, and staff. Internally, circulation routes are arranged logically around shared spaces to support intuitive wayfinding and reduce confusion, while allowing staff to supervise movement safely and efficiently.
Significant revisions were made to the internal layout to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations. This included the introduction of additional escape stairs and revised fire strategies to meet life safety requirements. Externally, the building footprint and layout were carefully adjusted to respond to the drainage dyke easements and neighbouring residential development, ensuring access, maintainability, and long-term functionality without compromising internal space standards.
The architectural form is expressed through simple, well-proportioned volumes that break down the scale of the building and allow it to sit comfortably within its surroundings. Materials were selected to provide a calm, domestic character rather than an institutional appearance, helping the care home integrate sensitively with the surrounding residential context.
The principal challenge was reconciling an approved planning scheme with the realities of Building Regulations compliance and site constraints.
The redesign required careful coordination to resolve fire safety, means of escape, and drainage easement requirements while maintaining the intent and parameters of the approved development.
An amendment to the planning permission was successfully secured alongside full Building Regulations approval, allowing the project to proceed with confidence.
This project demonstrates the importance of rigorous technical design at planning stage to ensure that an approved scheme is not only policy compliant, but also fully buildable and fit for purpose.
Through careful reassessment and redesign, the scheme was transformed into a compliant, efficient, and compassionate care environment that fully responds to site constraints, regulatory requirements, and the specific needs of residents requiring specialist dementia care.
Got planning approval but need a scheme that is fully buildable and Building Regulations compliant? Speak to us about a technical review and redesign.