PLANS to double the size of a council-run care home in Flintshire have formally been put forward.

The proposals will see the number of beds at Marleyfield House in Buckley increase from 32 to 64 in order to meet the demand for care placements in the county.

Flintshire Council said the ageing population meant an extension was needed at one of its three care home facilities.

An options appraisal recommended that the Buckley home was the most suitable location ahead of Croes Atti in Flint and Llys Gwenffrwd in Holywell.

In documents previously presented to councillors, the local authority said the ‘modern and innovative’ design would provide additional residential care beds, as well as short stay options and intermediate care.

In the report, Cllr Christine Jones, cabinet member for social services said: “There are currently significant pressures and fragility in the care sector across the country and this was highlighted in a review of the Flintshire care sector carried out in 2016.

“Due to an ageing population with increasingly complex needs the requirement for care and care homes is set to increase, this is despite a greater emphasis on keeping people living at home for longer.

“This challenge presented an opportunity to expand one of the council’s three care home facilities.

“The development will assist the process of hospital discharge and support appropriate assessments to reduce care packages implemented to support people in the long term.

“The new design demonstrates an innovative approach to supporting individuals in residential settings.”

According to the proposals, which were recently presented to the council’s social and health care scrutiny committee, each bedroom will have access to an outdoor space.

Balcony areas will be created for those living on the top floor, while residents at ground level will be able to use a landscaped garden area.

The development will also include improvements to the existing kitchen facilities and is being funded through a capital grant from the Welsh Government.

Additional money has also been made available from the council’s capital programme.

The authority is aiming to make a decision on the proposals by early October.