A Whittlesey care home could become a luxury hotel and spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, if a planning application is approved. 

The Elms Nursing Home, in Arnolds Lane, was closed in November 2022 just before it was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.  

It was then listed on the market with an asking price of £900,000. 

Now fresh plans have been submitted to convert the site into a 16-bedroom hotel and spa – and the team behind the project have released 3D visuals to support the application.  

The 3D visuals of what the hotel and spa could look like have been submitted alongside the planning application.The 3D visuals of what the hotel and spa could look like have been submitted alongside the planning application. (Image: MHM Properties Ltd / JD Carter Ltd / Fenland Planning Portal) The proposals submitted to Fenland planners say it will also have a restaurant and bar.  

A swimming pool and fitness suite will be located in a single-storey extension to the back and side of the main building. 

There will be an outdoor pool with beautifully landscaped gardens next to the extension. 

The plan outline also says there will be a subterranean basement area, a detached log cabin and that the car park will be extended.  

A 3D visual of what the outdoor pool may look like if The Elms Nursing Home in Whittlesey is converted into a hotel and spa.A 3D visual of what the outdoor pool may look like if The Elms Nursing Home in Whittlesey is converted into a hotel and spa. (Image: MHM Properties Ltd / JD Carter Ltd / Fenland Planning Portal) The design and access statement supporting the application says: “It is our desire to create a leading, luxury and immersive guest experience hotel and spa complex in the area, with seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.  

“Encompassing high end finished spacious, well-appointed rooms and internal spaces, offering local curated artwork that reflects the local environment, and demonstrating local supply.  

“Engaging with local specialists industry experts to promote a turnkey sustainable design and build to provide areas that encourage deep relaxation, tranquillity and a place so designed for ultimate spa pampering.” 

The Elms Nursing Home, in Whittlesey, closed in November 2022 and went on the market the following year.The Elms Nursing Home, in Whittlesey, closed in November 2022 and went on the market the following year. (Image: MHM Properties Ltd / JD Carter Ltd / Fenland Planning Portal) It is stated that the team’s market research found the area lacks facilities of this nature. 

They also make clear there is no intention “to affect any heritage asset in the vicinity” with its proposals.  

The design and access statement says: “The individual style, unassuming street presence and warming character of the existing property will remain as is... 

“... nestled within its own boundaries and complimenting those treasured heritage neighbouring assets.”  

The 16-bed hotel and spa will include a restaurant, a bar as well as indoor and outdoor pools.The 16-bed hotel and spa will include a restaurant, a bar as well as indoor and outdoor pools. (Image: MHM Properties Ltd / JD Carter Ltd / Fenland Planning Portal) The application was validated by Fenland planners on July 22, 2024. The applicant is David Moore of MHM Properties Ltd based in Thorney.  

Public response to the proposals has so far been largely supportive. 

If given the go-ahead, this would be a fresh start for the building. 

The site was previously used as a 35-bed residential care home for the elderly and had dining, day rooms and bathrooms.   

Before The Elms Nursing Home closed, Cambridgeshire County Council suspended admissions to all homes operated by its care provider HC-One.  

The company is Britain’s largest care home operator.  

Families had also shared their concerns about the care their loved ones had received following the inquests of three residents who died living there.