A Bury St Edmunds care home which has a layout that causes 'feelings of isolation, anxiety and confusion' amongst older people is to be demolished under plans to construct a new 64-bedroom care facility in its place.

The application, which has been submitted by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company (RMBI Care Co.) would see the complete redevelopment of Cornwallis Court.

The existing care home is a two-storey building comprising 69 registered bedrooms on Hospital Road - 58 of which are currently occupied.

This building, alongside the specialist dementia house, would be completely demolished under the plans submitted to West Suffolk Council.

Reasoning for the demolition suggests that the company faces many challenges with operating a modern care home facility within the constraints of the existing building.

The development proposal adds: "The current home was not specifically designed as a care home for older people and the layout of the internal environment can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and confusion."

The phased redevelopment approach will allow residents and staff to remain in part of the existing Bury St Edmunds home while demolition and construction takes place.