The second phase of our New Hospitals Programme project will see the partial re-development of the St Ann’s site – creating extra adult mental health (AMH) inpatient beds; the refurbishment of inadequate AMH and older people’s mental health inpatient accommodation (ensuring all patients have their own en-suite rooms); a brand new replacement adult PICU, and a replacement Health Based Place of Safety for patient detained under Section 136 of the 1983 Mental Health Act. This work will not only increase our mental health inpatient capacity for Dorset, ensuring people can access the help they need more quickly, but also provide dignity and privacy for all inpatients.

The plans have been carefully designed to minimise impacts on the surrounding areas. It will also be an environmentally sensitive project, with fully sustainable buildings contributing towards our net zero carbon targets.

The new PICU will be for adults in mental health crisis. This will mean:

  • improved emergency support and standards of care for adults
  • patients can access the specialist care they need
  • the latest facilities will improve recovery times
  • treatment will be close to friends and family, with space for families to stay if needed
  • fewer distressing out-of-area placements, which separates people from their loved ones, hampering their chances of recovery.

Construction should be completed and enhanced care introduced at the site during 2026.

The following planning applications were approved by BCP Council in October 2023.

Chaddesley House

A new hospital building in the footprint of New Build 2 of the 2011 consent which would house a seven bed male psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU), a six-bed female PICU and a 14-bed female adult mental health unit (AMH).

Haven Ward S136 Extension

A c. 14 sqm extension under the existing Alumhurst Ward balcony to allow for the existing unit to be converted into a specialist health based place of safety for patients who require urgent care and control.

Chine Ward door

Conversion of an existing window on the Listed Building to a door, to allow for the provision of staff changing facilities to encourage active travel.

Crescent car parking

Formalisation of the Crescent car parking and tree protection through soft landscaping measures.

These are brought forward as separate applications due to the nature of each part of the site, however, all are interlinked in the delivery of a high-quality mental health service. This will not only ensure adequate resource for patients in Dorset but also strengthen the existing resource for the region.

Heritage and conservation

  • The loss of curtilage Listed Buildings and significance to the Grade II* Building had already been approved in the 2011 application
  • The proposed Alternative New Build 2 development would result in less than substantial harm to heritage assets
  • Thoughtful designed elevations and formalisation of the Crescent car parking to reduce current harm to the listed building setting
  •  Incorporation of buffer planting to reduce visual impact.

  • No changes will be made to existing vehicle access.
  • The development will not cause a change in the level of traffic in the surrounding area.
  • The plans create dedicated parking at the Crescent which is currently used informally.
  • The new parking will use soft materials rather than tarmac to blend in with the setting.
  •  Car and cycle parking and EV charging will be provided, in line with BCP Council’s Parking Standards and Dorset HealthCare’s Green Travel Plan.
  • A car share plan will be in place for the site.

  • The proposed Alternative New Build 2 has been designed to be respectful of the trees and sylvan setting of the site
  • The development requires the removal of five trees or groups of trees, previously consented in 2011
  • Tree roots will be protected in the new formalised parking space.

The development will deliver a biodiversity net gain and meet BREEAM Excellent standards. BREEAM is the international method for assessing the sustainability of buildings, and considers things such as materials, renewable energy provision and transport.