New Limes care home plans rejected

The original plans, submitted by Ascot Design, sought to build a 71-bed facility on the site of the Limes Guest House, London Road. However, the number of beds has now been reduced to 64 under the amended plans, which could see the site used to care for people suffering from dementia if the plans are approved by West Berkshire Council.
Although respecting the need for increased care home provision, neighbours have voiced strong opposition to the proposed development calling the original plans a “gross overdevelopment” and a “barrack building in an army camp”.
A 77-page document objecting to the scheme, including previous case studies, has been submitted to support the objections.
Representing residents at a meeting of Newbury Town Council’s planning and highways committee, Angelika Rivero said that the development was “more akin to a hotel than a care home” and that there was little change to the plans, which she described as “ill-conceived and not fit for the stated purpose.”
Mrs Rivero also said that residents had not been consulted on the plans and that the facility went against West Berkshire Council’s care delivery system, which focusses on care at home. However town councillor Jeff Beck (Con, Clay Hill) said that it was his belief that there would be a growing need for this type of accommodation.
Planning agent Thomas Rumble told councillors that there was a pressing need for this type of accommodation, which he described as a well-thought out scheme.
Richard Kingsley Evans (Con, St Johns) asked whether an operator had been secured to run the facility and Tony Stretton (Con, Clay Hill) asked whether contact with residents could have helped to address some of the concerns raised.
Mr Rumble said: “We are talking to operators at this time and they are comfortable with the current designs. This scheme is similar to others that have been approved across the country and if they weren’t, then we would be in trouble.”
However, Mr Rumble admitted that consultation could have appeased residents.
Councillors upheld their previous objections to the proposals on grounds of over-development, out of keeping with the surroundings, lack of car parking space and lack of consultation with residents.
Jeff Beck said: “There has been nothing dramatic that should change our position from the previous occasion.”
Anthony Pick, (Con, St Johns) said that the development should not go ahead until an operator had been found to provide a focussed view with the developer.
A decision is expected from West Berkshire Council by May 28.