Five-bed homes plan for historic former Bury isolation hospital site

Two detached properties are planned within the grounds of the former Ainsworth Nursing Home on Knowsley Road, in Ainsworth, and other plots within the site have also been sold for development.

The property was original used as an isolation hospital for smallpox patients from 1906, then used for tuberculosis patients between 1913 and 1921, and continued as an isolation hospital between 1948 and 1978 with limited use in the later years, before finally ceasing to be used for that purpose in 1982.

It later became Ainsworth Nursing Home, a 33-bed residential care home from 1986, before closing to residents in November 2018.

The property is included in Bury’s local list of buildings of architectural or historical interest.

The plans lodged with Bury Council this week refer to the construction of two detached dwellings to land to the west of the site.

A design and access statement by JPE Consultancy Ltd on behalf of applicants PEL Electrical Ltd said: “Since the closure of the nursing home the site has been sold and subsequently split into a number of separate parcels, and sold on to different purchasers.

“We understand that the nursing home premises have a use class as a residential institution and that the majority of new owners will be seeking a use class of private houses.

“The proposed site is divided into two plots with a two-storey dwelling built centrally within each plot.

“The proposals include the retention of the Gate House within the southern plot as guest accommodation.”

The two homes would have an entrance hall with access to stairs to first floor, study, toilet, open plan kitchen and dining, with access to utility and lounge. The first floors would have a landing giving access to five bedrooms and a bathroom.

A heritage assessment contained within the plans concluded that the proposals would not present any detrimental impact or harm upon the main hospital building.