FPA Helps In Stopping A Fire Break Out At A Former Care Home Near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Flames engulfed a former care home near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, on 5 November 2022, with crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) sharing video footage of the blaze surrounding the derelict structure, which was in danger of collapse.

Three fire crews and 10 fire appliances were dispatched when flames were spotted emerging from the former care home at 7 pm. At its height, 50 firefighters were in attendance alongside support officers.

Multi-Agency response

The service described the fire as ‘challenging,’ requiring a multi-agency response from neighbouring areas, including East Sussex and Surrey. South East Coast Ambulance Service and Sussex Police were also on the scene to assist firefighters.

WSFRS confirmed that the site still contained some hotspots and access to the building was difficult

Later in the evening, a WSFRS spokesperson confirmed: “We have now scaled back our attendance to seven engines, one aerial ladder platform, and a water carrier, but it remains a fire of significant size.”

It is believed that no one was inside the disused building at the time, although residents in neighboring properties were encouraged to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke. On Twitter, WSFRS confirmed that the site still contained some hotspots and access to the building was difficult due to the ‘danger of collapsing structure.’ Several crews returned the following morning to continue their operations.

New planning application

The Victorian-era building, known as Parkfield, has been vacant for some time after its former client, Bupa, moved to a different location. According to the Sussex Express, a new planning application at the site of the former care home had been approved just last year. Eden Retirement Living reportedly submitted a planning application in November 2020 to replace the building with a ‘continuing care retirement community.’

However, the planning committee at Mid Sussex District Council eventually agreed to another plan to knock down the care home and replace it with 15 cottages and 66 flats. The application was given approval in July 2021, with the new project including a staggered two-to-four-storey building alongside the cottages, a community hub, a guest suite, and parking for 80 cars.