Planners have given a new dementia unit at Haylie House the green light.

The eight-bedroom unit has been designed to incorporate a number of modern features which help people with dementia. The proposals were approved by the council, with a number of conditions.

In its application for the proposal, architects speaking on behalf of Haylie House Trust said: “The trustees of Haylie House are committed to providing care for the elderly and the needs of the residents and it is becoming increasingly apparent that dementia sufferers require a more sympathetic environment to cater for the various disabilities associated with dementia.

“It is therefore proposed to build a unit designed to the required criteria advocated by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at Stirling University to achieve their ‘gold standard’ for the completed development.” “Recommendations made by the DSDC include access to outdoor areas and sunlight, stimulation and activity such as light gardening and watching other activities. Dementia sufferers can benefit and be stimulated from watching activities and movement rather than being confined indoors.

“There is a viewing area to allow residents to enjoy the view and also watch the regular crossings of the Calmac Largs-Cumbrae ferry.

“This vantage point also allows residents to watch visitors and staff and delivery vehicles arriving and departing from Haylie House. A glazed canopy adjacent to the dining room and dayroom and a gazebo provide shelter during inclement weather but still allow residents to feel fresh air on their faces.

“The viewing area also allows residents to take advantage of the spectacular vistas. The provision of some raised planters at the patio areas will allow residents to carry out gardening tasks if they wish to do so.” Last month, Largs Community Council backed the plan and the benefits the new unit would bring.

Largs Community Council has given its backing to the development of a new dementia unit at Haylie House.

However, one community councillor, Jim Perman, questioned the decision to site the dementia unit at the south side of the property, where 53 ‘perfectly good trees’ are to be felled.

Councillor Drew Cochrane countered: “We ought to welcome this with open arms. Largs has been called the ‘dementia town’ of North Ayrshire, so this would help us take great strides to deal with an ever increasing problem.” Councillor Ian Murdoch added that the unit would be of benefit to the town and meet the requirements of Largs Common Good Fund.