Cranford Care Home at 15 Cranford Avenue, Exmouth could be converted back into a house, if planning permission is granted.

Application 23/2767/FUL has been submitted by the care homeowners to change the use of the care home to a house with single-storey ground floor extension.

Read more: Exmouth care home blames cost-of-living crisis for closure

The home was riddled with problems through the covid-19 pandemic, facing staff shortages the home was not at full capacity when the home closed. In February 2022 the home was given a bad rating following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission. Owners decided to call it a day. 

The application says: "Since its closure in May 2023, the owners have investigated alternative residential institutional uses, such as adult and child disability care, rehabilitation support and housing for vulnerable groups. However, these investigations have revealed that the site and the existing building are not suitable to provide this specialist accommodation. Significant internal alterations would be required to meet the necessary standards, including structural changes to the building, which would result in a reduction in the number of rooms that the facility could provide.

"It would therefore not be possible to achieve the required return on the investment to make the facility financially viable. It is for this reason that, despite having discussions with local investors, none made suitable offers. The owners therefore intend to revert the property back to a single dwelling, which is in keeping with the residential character of the surrounding area. Many of the historic features of the property, which have been lost or hidden during its use as a care home, will be restored and the overall character and appearance of the site will be enhanced."

The proposal also involves building a single storey extension on the ground floor to include a disability lift to the property.

The building is believed to date back to the 1920s. An application was submitted in 2018 to change the use of the building from a care home to residential apartments, to accommodate long-term patients.

The application was submitted to EDDC on Friday, January 5. It will be reviewed by EDDC planning officers before being granted for refused.