The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has proposed using a group of Paget residences to expand its ability to help patients.

A planning application submitted by the charity proposed an in-principle change of use for three buildings at 157 and 159 South Road from residential to medical services.

Documents included in the application noted that the buildings were not owned by the BCHC, but the charity submitted the application to determine how the Department of Planning viewed the proposal before purchasing the property.

Planning documents stated: “All buildings will be used for services offered by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, or for a use that is ancillary or accessory to the health services provided by the BCHC.”

The application said that a two-storey house at 157A South Road would be used for administrative offices, while the single-storey building at 157 South Road would be used for patient consultations.

A two-storey building at 159 South Road, which contains two apartments, would be converted into administrative offices in the future, but would initially be kept as apartments for locums who travel to the island to work with the BCHC.

The plan also included widening the access road to the property to allow two-way traffic and the addition of a small parking lot, which would be used exclusively for patients.

“The anticipated number of patients attending therapies at one time is estimated to be three or four,” the documents said.

“The BCHC has a parking lot which can accommodate a maximum of 14 cars and four bikes. The parking areas are typically underutilised as BCHC staff do not park on site.”

The documents added: “Overall, the conversion of a residential property into a healthcare facility represents a proactive and strategic approach to urban development, promoting community wellbeing, economic prosperity and sustainable growth.”

Lynn Woolridge, the chief executive of the BCHC, told The Royal Gazette last month that the charity was “bursting at the seams” and needed additional space for its services.

“There is definitely a need for more physical space for staff and, of course, there is a need for physical space for any additional services that we may want to offer in the near or far future,” she said.

The charity said an expansion would allow it to offer additional services such as wellness programmes to help patients before and after they undergo cancer treatment.

Ms Woolridge said the centre was in the process of putting together a capital campaign to not only find additional space but to replace equipment that has been in use for years.