PROPOSALS for a £2.3million extension to a Cinderford residential care home have gone before planning officers at the District Council.

Barton Willmore's architects have submitted plans on behalf of Hanover Court and designed an extension which, if passed, will add 20 new one and two bedroom apartments to the Extra Care housing development on Valley Road.

It is hoped that the plans will not only improve the communal areas for current residents but make an important contribution to the growing need for elderly care provision in the Forest of Dean.

Senior architect Tom Macklen said: "This exciting proposal will provide 20 new apartments to help the area's older people keep living independent lives, and revitalises the communal facilities. The design is contemporary, but true to the local context, and will benefit the whole local area by enhancing the quality of the public realm and landscaping."