BATTLE lines are being drawn over plans to turn a residential home into nine flats because its owner fears it may no longer be financially viable.

The proposals for Adalah residential rest home, in Cliff Road, Leigh, are set to get the green light on Wednesday despite more than 20 objections.

The owner told Southend Council there are too many care homes in the town, adding it may not be financially viable to continue, particularly in the shadow of Covid-19.

But campaigners and those working in the care sector say there are not enough good quality care homes.

Julie Peek, 54, of Leigh who works with older people and those with dementia said the plan must not go ahead.

She said: “I would not support this at all, the Covid pandemic has been devastating for people in care homes.

“There is not enough availability of good care homes and to get rid of one and build flats is the wrong thing to do.

“We should be supporting the development of good facilities for the older people who have suffered desperately due to the pandemic.

“I feel so passionately about it and worry if this goes through it will give the green light to more plans.”

The care and support worker said there was a need to address the lack of support for care homes in making them viable and a success.

A total of 23 other residents also objected against the plans raising concerns about lack of parking, loss of a care home and employment for staff, harm to neighbour’s residential amenity and others.

In a letter supporting the application, the applicant says there has been an increase in the number of care homes in the Southend borough, where at least 68 are privately-owned.

They add there is an “over supply” of these facilities.

If the situation does not improve and the home loses more residents without new residents being admitted, it will no longer be financially viable to carry on as a care home.

The letter backing the plans by the applicant says that the building is not considered not fit for purpose.

Southend councillors meet on Wednesday to consider the plan.

Recommending approval, officers say there are enough care homes in the borough and that residents would be able to find a placement in another home.