Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet has today agreed to begin formal public consultations on the future of two residential care homes.
The decision allows the council to consult residents, families, staff, and the wider community on options for the future of Applethwaite Green Care Home in Windermere and Grisedale Croft Care Home in Alston, in line with its legal duties and in order to make informed future decisions.
Cabinet considered detailed reports outlining significant challenges facing both homes, including buildings that no longer meet modern care and regulatory standards, declining occupancy, workforce pressures, and high operating costs.
It also considered the council’s vision for Adult Social Care where ‘people live in a place they call home, with the people and things they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them.’
This vision drives a shift toward home-based support rather than residential care, independence rather than dependency, and strong community connection rather than isolation.
For Applethwaite Green, a 27-bed residential home with 15 permanent residents, Cabinet agreed to consult on all options – do nothing, refurbishment, rebuild or closure – due to the above challenges and sufficient alternative provision locally. The report said that 12 alternative residential homes rated ‘Good’ by the CQC operated within 16 miles of the home.
Grisedale Croft provides residential accommodation across 13 bedrooms and has had declining and limited occupancy over the last six years with currently three permanent residents.The building is now over 50 years old and has exceeded its original operational life.
In Alston and the surrounding area there is little alternative provision available. For this reason, Cabinet agreed to start a formal consultation on all options on the home’s future with a preferred option to provide alternative accommodation in a suitable building in the local area if one could be acquired.
While the council recognises the longstanding role each home has played in supporting local people, Cabinet agreed that formal consultations on options for the future are the right next step before any decisions are made.
The consultation processes will run for 12 weeks and will comply fully with the council’s Consultation and Engagement Strategy and the Accessible Information Standard, ensuring information is available in formats that meet different communication needs. Residents will be supported to take part, with advocacy available where required.
No decisions have been taken about the final outcome for either home. The purpose of the consultation is to gather views, understand impacts, and ensure that any future decision is informed by the experiences and priorities of those most affected.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said:
“We know how people feel about these homes, and we understand that even the start of a consultation on options for the future may be worrying for residents, families, and staff. These are people’s homes and places of work, not just buildings, and we are approaching this with care, openness and respect.
“Today’s Cabinet decisions are not about making a final choice – it is about listening. We want to hear directly from residents, loved ones, staff and local communities so that any decision we make is informed and focussed on people’s wellbeing, dignity and safety.”
Throughout the consultation period, residents and families will receive individual support, and staff will be kept fully informed, with trade unions engaged as part of the process. The council will ensure that any future changes prioritise safety, continuity of care and quality of life.
Following the consultation period, all feedback will be carefully analysed and the Director of Adult Care will make final decisions later in 2026.
Further details about the consultation and how to take part will be made available publicly in the coming weeks.
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