The County Council is investing £57 million to build three brand new care homes in Gloucestershire. Our goal is to create a welcoming, high-quality home for older people, including those with complex needs, where care is delivered in a way that supports choice, autonomy and quality of life.
The first new home will be built in Stonehouse, on the site of the former Elms Care Home which was closed in autumn 2022 because it was no longer fit for purpose.
Subject to planning permission being granted, the provisional timeline is as follows:
We want this new care home to truly reflect what local people need and want. That’s why we’ve been talking to local residents, care staff, families, carers, community groups and schools to share our plan and hear their ideas and thoughts. Here is some of the engagement we've had so far:
At Edwardstow Care Home we met residents to hear directly from them about what makes a great care home. Residents shared thoughtful reflections on the importance of comfort, community, meaningful activities, and warm, personal support. They also spoke openly about their own experiences, helping us understand what truly contributes to a sense of belonging and wellbeing in a care setting.
Their insights will help shape our ongoing work, ensuring future developments reflect the real experiences and priorities of those living in care settings.
We hosted a drop‑in event in Stonehouse, giving local residents the opportunity to view the latest designs for the proposed new care home at the former Elms site.
Those who attended were able to see the draft plans in detail and speak directly with the design and construction teams, asking questions and finding out more about the development. We were also delighted to welcome representative from Stonehouse Town Council and Stroud District Council.
We visited Park Junior School in Stonehouse to hear the school council’s ideas for how they could engage with the proposed new Elm Road care home. The school expressed a strong interest in building a long‑term relationship with future residents, showing real enthusiasm for ongoing intergenerational engagement.
Pupils created drawings showing what they imagine the care home might look like and suggested potential names for the home and its various communal areas - favourites included Peaceful Circle, Friendship Lodge, and Harmony Haven.
We want to make sure this new care home is the best it can be - shaped by the people who will use the space, visit loved ones, work there, and live nearby. If you have any feedback or concerns, we’d love to hear from you.
The easiest way to do this is using our online form.
We’ll be keeping everyone updated with regular news on our website and social media. We'll also be sharing the proposed plans on this page once they have submitted for planning permission.
Here are answers to some of our most popular enquiries about the new care home project.
The care home will be open to everyone. While it’s designed to support people currently living in the local community, helping them maintain social ties and stay connected, we also recognise that some individuals may wish to relocate - whether to be closer to family or friends, or for other personal reasons.
The care home will be open to everyone. While it’s designed to support people currently living in the local community, helping them maintain social ties and stay connected, we also recognise that some individuals may wish to relocate - whether to be closer to family or friends, or for other personal reasons.
No. Gloucestershire County Council is committed to providing high-quality care for everyone, regardless of how their care is funded.
The Care Act 2014 supports this approach by requiring local authorities to promote individual well-being and offer high-quality, diverse services for everyone - not just those who meet formal eligibility criteria.
No. Gloucestershire County Council is committed to providing high-quality care for everyone, regardless of how their care is funded.
The Care Act 2014 supports this approach by requiring local authorities to promote individual well-being and offer high-quality, diverse services for everyone - not just those who meet formal eligibility criteria.
Gloucestershire County Council will appoint a provider to run the three new care homes in Summer 2026.
Gloucestershire County Council will appoint a provider to run the three new care homes in Summer 2026.
Yes. The care home aims to create a wide range of local employment opportunities - not just in care roles, but also in support functions.
Through co-production with local schools and communities, Gloucestershire County Council is already laying the groundwork to connect people with future job pathways. This includes promoting work experience placements for students and those pursuing nursing qualifications, and raising awareness about the upcoming roles the care home will offer once it opens.
Yes. The care home aims to create a wide range of local employment opportunities - not just in care roles, but also in support functions.
Through co-production with local schools and communities, Gloucestershire County Council is already laying the groundwork to connect people with future job pathways. This includes promoting work experience placements for students and those pursuing nursing qualifications, and raising awareness about the upcoming roles the care home will offer once it opens.
Gloucestershire County Council and its contractor, Barnwood Construction, are actively working to minimise the impact on the local community during the build phase of the new care home.
Gloucestershire County Council and its contractor, Barnwood Construction, are actively working to minimise the impact on the local community during the build phase of the new care home.
The new care home in Stonehouse is expected to open in early 2028.
The new care home in Stonehouse is expected to open in early 2028.
While the care home is still in development and the provider not yet appointed, we are setting a clear expectation that strong community links will be central to the provider’s ethos. Through co-production, we’re shaping a vision where the home is a vibrant part of the local area - not just a place of care.
We expect the provider to build lasting relationships with schools, community groups, and local organisations, encouraging intergenerational activities and meaningful engagement for residents.
These connections will support wellbeing and help the home become a valued part of the community.
While the care home is still in development and the provider not yet appointed, we are setting a clear expectation that strong community links will be central to the provider’s ethos. Through co-production, we’re shaping a vision where the home is a vibrant part of the local area - not just a place of care.
We expect the provider to build lasting relationships with schools, community groups, and local organisations, encouraging intergenerational activities and meaningful engagement for residents.
These connections will support wellbeing and help the home become a valued part of the community.
Yes. On-site parking will be available for both staff and visitors. The care home will also include electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle parking to support sustainable travel options.
Yes. On-site parking will be available for both staff and visitors. The care home will also include electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle parking to support sustainable travel options.
The new care home in Stonehouse will have 80 beds.
The new care home in Stonehouse will have 80 beds.
The care home is designed primarily for older people with complex needs and advanced dementia. It will offer both residential and nursing care, including specialist dementia support, to ensure residents receive high-quality, tailored care in a safe and welcoming environment.
The care home is designed primarily for older people with complex needs and advanced dementia. It will offer both residential and nursing care, including specialist dementia support, to ensure residents receive high-quality, tailored care in a safe and welcoming environment.
Yes. Access to a pleasant and well-designed outdoor environment is an important part of the care home’s final design. Outdoor areas will be integrated into the site to support residents’ wellbeing, offering space for relaxation, fresh air, and safe movement.
Yes. Access to a pleasant and well-designed outdoor environment is an important part of the care home’s final design. Outdoor areas will be integrated into the site to support residents’ wellbeing, offering space for relaxation, fresh air, and safe movement.
Safety and security are central to the planning and delivery of the new care home in Stonehouse. Gloucestershire County Council and its appointed contractor, Barnwood Construction, are working to ensure that all construction activity meets high standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and community protection.
Safety and security are central to the planning and delivery of the new care home in Stonehouse. Gloucestershire County Council and its appointed contractor, Barnwood Construction, are working to ensure that all construction activity meets high standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and community protection.