FLINTSHIRE Council is moving forward with plans for a major redevelopment of a care home in Flint.

The authority’s ruling Labour cabinet has agreed to keep progressing the joint-venture involving Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to redevelop and modernise the Croes Atti care home, dubbed ‘Croes Atti 2’ increasing its capacity by 25 beds.

It comes after a suggestion last week from the leader of the opposition Independents, Connah’s Quay Central Cllr Bernie Attridge, that planned multi-million pound projects should be put on hold until the council has resolved the £32m hole in its projected budget for next year.

An update on the project was introduced to the meeting by Sealand Cllr Christine Jones, cabinet member for Social Services and Wellbeing, who outlined the importance of the new facility.

She said that while the current Croes Atti site offers a 31 placement residential care home, a feasibility study has been undertaken which determined that an option for a 56 placement building can be moved to a detailed design phase.

The new building will host 56 ensuite bedrooms, with a number of living and dining spaces along with visitor rooms and office space.

Cllr Jones said: “The council is currently progressing the design plans which will look in detail at key elements of the building and landscaping.”

Subject to planning permission construction is expected to start in September 2023 with the facility earmarked to be ready in early 2025.

The council’s chief officer for Social Services, Neil Ayling added: “It is clearly part of Flintshire’s commitment to increasing in-house residential care capacity following the success of Marleyfield House in Buckley.

“The proposed investment in Croes Atti represents very good value.”

Mr Ayling said the total capital cost of the project is around £16m but a £10m Welsh Government grant is being applied for which would leave Flintshire Council spending just £6m of its own money.

He added that it would be more cost effective to the authority than having to find alternative care for people which could also potentially be of a lesser quality.

He added: “This is an exciting, innovative and necessary plan to extend our social care provision in Flintshire.”

Chairing the meeting, deputy council leader Llanfynydd Cllr Dave Hughes said: “This is much-needed. If it’s anywhere near as good as Marleyfield has been it will be absolutely superb for the area.”

Caergwrle Cllr David Healey added: “I think it’s absolutely essential we do what we can to relieve the pressure on hospital beds and I think this is one such project that will make a difference as far as that’s concerned.

“If we can alleviate this pressure by having additional care facilities then that is welcome. And although it is being built in Flint, it is for the use of Flintshire residents as a whole which is another point I think is worth making.

“I know there’s controversy about how much it will cost the revenue budget in future but as the chief officer points out, these people have got to be accommodated somewhere maybe in sub-standard accommodation or else frankly in hospital beds which I think is a problem, so I fully support it.”

Members agreed to continue supporting progress with the project.