TURNING a large house into a nursing home is nothing new - it happens in most towns. Indeed grade II listed mansion Ashwicke Hall, near Marshfield, is subject of a planning application to create a "close care community" for older people. Yet this scheme promises something different. The applicant has expressed the desire to restore the estate to its former glory and plans submitted for the community include a restaurant, shop and leisure and recreational facilities. Gazette feature writer Kirsty Ramsden found out more.

ASHWICKE Hall, a 150-acre former boarding school and parkland nestling in countryside near Marshfield, has stood empty since autumn 2001.

But now an Oxfordshire-based company has submitted plans to South Gloucestershire Council to turn it into a close care community for older people.

Crowell Homes' plans envisage about 80 apartments for sale, some in Ashwicke Hall itself and others in the grounds, as well as a 45-bedroom nursing home and accommodation for some of the skilled staff.

The self-contained apartments will be equipped with home technology for security and home entertainment and will each have a multi-purpose utility room adaptable to a second bedroom for guests.

Plans include provision of a library, meeting rooms, a hair salon and a swimming pool and health club as well as a restaurant and a shop for essentials.

Chris Parker, managing partner of Crowell Homes, explained there was a need for this type of care where people stayed in their own homes.

"We believe that Ashwicke Hall will provide a balanced community mixing real independence in a peaceful and secure environment with all necessary medical care," said Mr Parker.

The nursing home will provide 24-hour care and rehabilitation services for higher dependency residents.

A treatment area will be provided for post-hospital or surgical care, physical, occupational and speech services and a pharmacy.

There are also plans to discuss ways in which Ashwicke Hall might provide respite services for social services and the NHS.

Mr Parker said: "We intend to work hard to establish strong links between Ashwicke Hall, where we will encourage the setting up of a residents' association, and the area around it to promote community spirit and support local businesses."

The firm anticipates the creation of more than 80 local full and part-time jobs once the £22 million project is completed in three to four years' time.

The company intends to provide a mini-bus service for residents to make shopping trips and visits away from Ashwicke Hall and discussions are underway with a bus company to route a service into the site.

Mr Parker revealed Crowell Homes should know the result of the planning application at the end of May.

If the application receives the green light, Mr Parker explained work would then commence as soon as possible.

Crowell Homes has described the historic house, gardens and landscape as in desperate need of repair.

The company explained discussions with English Heritage and the Victorian Society will ensure restoration of the estate would be carried out with respect to its original design.

The enterprise will centre on Ashwicke Hall itself, where the intention is to restore the building, constructed between 1857 and 1860, to its former glory.

Since 1946, Ashwicke Hall has been used for various types of school, most recently the International School of Choueifat.

Crowell Homes, which will operate the site, revealed it chose the estate because there was a huge opportunity to restore it to its former beauty.

Despite extensive alterations made since 1946, much of the original parkland, lake, garden and features within the main building remain.

The firm has stated it was these it would like to return to their original condition as far as possible.

It has also said within Ashwicke Hall itself there would be very few alterations to the historic fabric.

Existing doors and window openings would be used as much as possible and modern alterations to the inside of the hall would be removed.

The company proposes removing the modern chapel and classrooms attached to the hall, allowing the return of views of the hall from its eastern approach.

Crowell Homes, led by Mr Parker, his wife Christine and business partner, Graham Roitt, pioneered one of Britain's first close care facilities and has conducted studies of successful schemes overseas.

Christine Parker, a Registered General Nurse with particular interest in care of the elderly, has wide experience of running both NHS and private hospitals specialising in older people's care.

Mr Parker's background is in engineering although his professional career has involved him in film and theatre production and home technology.

His experience in creating properties providing safe and caring environments for older people began in 1982 when he acquired and converted a grade II listed property in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, into a 19- bed residential home for the elderly.

Then he developed and operated Cherry Tree House Residential Home in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, with 20 beds, in the grounds of which he built seven close care bungalows.

Also in Princes Risborough he developed and operated Cherry Tree Nursing Home with 42 beds.

During this time he developed and operated White Lodge, another 20-bed residential home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.