A controversial care home has finally been opened in Royal Wootton Bassett. 

The new 66-bed care home near Jubilee Lake has been the subject of a long dispute after Wiltshire Council faced backlash in 2019 for approving the application.

Royal Wootton Bassett residents were concerned at the time that the site on the historic Grade-II listed farmland would cause flooding and drainage problems for the nearby lake.

There were also concerns for pedestrians and traffic using Malmesbury Road and Hook Road.

But now, Royal Wootton Bassett’s Mayor and local professionals came together with care provider Anchor to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in the opening of Marsh Farm Manor, which will provide much needed care for local residents,” said Mayor and Councillor Eve Silvester.

“It was great to meet with Anchor staff and witness in person Anchor’s commitment to creating sustainable and energy efficient homes.

"With such a warm environment I am sure new residents will enjoy the thoughtful and individualised care provided by Anchor.”

Anchor, which has set up the new care home, is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, and operates in more than 85 per cent of local council areas in England.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Staff at Marsh Farm Manor are excited to welcome their first residents in October.Staff at Marsh Farm Manor are excited to welcome their first residents in October. (Image: Anchor)

After cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of Marsh Farm Manor, the Mayor was invited to tour the home with Anchor representatives.

The new luxury care home boasts wet rooms, a hair and beauty salon, lounges, coffee areas, quiet spaces and private landscaped gardens with seating areas.

On top of all this, over 80 per cent of the care home's roof will be fitted with solar panels, in an attempt to become carbon neutral.

“Marsh Farm Manor is a wonderful addition to our care home portfolio. We are proud to continue creating places where residents can love living in later life, and we look forward to welcoming residents to this fantastic new location,” said Rob Martin, Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor.

“This latest addition to our portfolio of care homes also showcases the progress we are making towards creating sustainable and energy efficient homes,” he added.

Marsh Farm Manor is the first of many developments taking place at the Marsh Farm site, with a future Lidl store also confirmed and plans in place for 150 new houses.