1:50pm Saturday 15th March 2008
By Dan Goater
PLANS to demolish a 'controversial' care home in order to build a bigger one have been refused.
Members of West Dorset District Council's development control committee turned down an application for developers to rebuild a residential care home in Dick O' Th' Banks Road, Crossways.
Case officer Ann Coles told the meeting the current centre houses four adults with learning difficulties but the new development, if granted permission, would house six.
Local resident Fleur Chitson told committee members that the one-storey development would seem more like a one-and-a-half-storey development and that the proposals were 'extremely controversial'.
She said: "The sheer square footage and building type will degrade that area in an adverse manner.
"It's a proposal that goes well beyond a residential 'like for like' development."
Coun Peter Read said the condition of the current building does leave 'much to be desired'.
He added that the centre does need replacing' but said he was unsure whether the current proposals were appropriate.
He said: "With a little bit of thought and a little bit extra consultation we can do better for the residents of this care home."
Coun Teresa Seall also told members of the committee she did not believe the proposed development would 'fit' in Dick O' Th' Banks Road.
Coun Stephen Friar said he had 'absolutely no difficulty' with the proposed work but that he was concerned about the materials and design.
He added: "I'm struggling a bit here because I don't particularly like it, but I have to say I'm struggling to find a reason for refusal."
Coun Robin Potter agreed that the design of the building would look 'inappropriate' in a residential setting.
Committee members voted in favour of refusing the planned construction on the grounds that the materials would be 'inappropriate'.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisisdorset.net