Penketh care home plan turned down (From Warrington Guardian)

Councillors turn down plans for extension to Three Elms care home in Penketh

12:20pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News

AN extension to a care home in Penketh which has split the community in two has been turned down.

Owners of the Three Elms home on Station Road wanted to build a 30 bed care unit for dementia patients, saying there was not enough provision in the town for sufferers of the illness.

But opponents fighting the scheme argued it would ruin the green belt and was being introduced to make the home more money.

And on Thursday night in The Parr Hall, members of the development management committee voted seven to two to refuse the plans.

Clr Bob Barr (LD - Lymm) called it ‘the most balanced’ application he had seen.

He added: “We have very credible opponents and we have slightly less credible evidence from the developers.

“This is about maximising the economic potential as well as providing much needed care. But I am not sure the extra development in the green belt will be that great.

“However I take the advice of our senior officers strongly.”

They had recommended the application be refused.

The committee had earlier heard from Hayley Roberts, who lives close to Three Elms.

She said: “I do not understand why they need so many beds. There are more suitable sites for this.”

Jane Buckley, who spoke in favour, said many local residents and those living within the home were in favour.

She added that councillors had let down the residents by refusing to visit the home.

“If we do not help the most vulnerable people in society, then what is the point?

“This is not green belt, you are looking at Fiddler’s Ferry.”