A FORMER pub and hotel in Newquay will be embarking on a new era after plans to convert the building into a residential care home were given the go ahead.
OYO Godolphin Arms Hotel in Henver Road is to become the new home of The Crescent Care Home, which specialises in mental health care.
The care home is relocating from its property at Island Crescent in the town centre to a “more suitable premises” to secure the future of the business.
The planning application stated the Crescent, which provides care for 16 young people with mental illness, is an older building with high maintenance costs and a haphazard internal layout not fit for future care use.
The plans said: “The existing premises at The Crescent is nearing the end of its working life for the care home use and will need significant investment to remain viable.
“The Godolphin offers a perfect opportunity to relocate to premises more suited to the future of care.
“Not only could the business accommodate at least four additional residents, but there is scope on the ground floor for expansive communal areas which could be utilised for rehabilitation purposes.
“There is also ample parking, which the existing home does not have, which currently leads to parking issues at the Crescent.
“The residents are all younger adults with no mobility issues and the care facility provides rehabilitation services to equip residents with the skills to live in the community.
“In general, residents typically stay for one year to 18 months.
“The existing care business was started by the applicant’s parents over 30 years ago, also converting the current premises from a hotel.
“There is an open-door policy, and residents are free to come and go as they choose, mixing well with the local community and seeking local employment.
“The existing premises is in a similar mixed-use location to the Godolphin Arms, adjoining retirement accommodation, guest houses and residential housing.
“The company also owns a sister home nearby, Lilena Residential Care Home in Quintrell Road, Newquay.
“This is run along the same lines as The Crescent and also successfully operates in a largely residential area.
“It is also registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for 16 people with mental illness and is also rated 'Good' by the CQC.
“Upon completion of the transfer of business to the Godolphin site, the site at The Crescent would be sold.”
OYO Godolphin Arms Hotel shut in November after popular landlady Margaret Ashwood, known as Muff, decided to sell the building following her retirement.
Cornwall Council approved plans for change of use of hotel to residential care home specialising in mental health through delegated powers.
A planning officer said: “The hotel has been on the market since November 2023.
“It was first listed with a local estate agent, which the vendors have clarified did not raise much interest, just two or three viewings.
“A potential buyer was then found through OYO hotel group who the site currently operates with, but this did not come to fruition, and it has not proved possible to sell the hotel as a business during the last year.
“The applicant’s plans are confirmed to be the most serious and likely outcome to enable the existing owner to retire and retain a business operating at the site.
“Reading the development plan as a whole, the proposals represent a suitable alternative business use of the hotel, that will be of social benefit to the community.
“Providing a vital mental health service, facilitating integration with the community, this proposed use of the building is situated in a sustainable location with access to public transport, and for walking and cycling.
“The proposed use would enable the relocation of an existing care home in the town, to a more suitable space, that will enhance the care of residents.
“No significant conflict has been identified with any relevant guidance or policies, and as such the presumption in favour of this sustainable development applies to this assessment and determination.”