A CARE home is bidding to move to a new site and double its size. Hyde Valley House in the Woodhall area of WGC, has 46 bedrooms but is not large enough to cope with demand. Quantum Care, which runs the home, and Hertfordshire County Council aim to buil

A CARE home is bidding to move to a new site and double its size.

Hyde Valley House in the Woodhall area of WGC, has 46 bedrooms but is not large enough to cope with demand.

Quantum Care, which runs the home, and Hertfordshire County Council aim to build a new, three-storey home with 90 beds in Bericot Way, in Panshanger.

They hope to start work on site in autumn next year and transfer residents by early 2010.

The building, which is yet to be designed, is likely to cost around £6m.

County councillor Sally Newton, executive member for adult care and health, said: "A new facility would enable us to meet the demands of Hertfordshire's ageing population, as well as making a big difference to the well-being and sense of privacy for all residents.

"Existing residents and their families have been kept fully informed of our plans and we have had some very positive feedback on our proposals.

"The new home would not be operational for another two to three years, which gives us time to make careful preparations and provide support to residents during the transition."

An outline planning application will be submitted by the county council to Welwyn Hatfield Council in the new year.

Quantum Care will then submit a more detailed application once the building has been designed - expected to be mid-summer.

* Do your elderly relatives live at Hyde Valley House? What do you think of the plans? Email kelly-ann.kiernan@whtimes.co.uk or call 01707 384180.