4:27pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010
COUNCILLORS have overturned a recommendation to deny plans for a proposed care home in a rural location in a tight vote.
The planning committee of Richmondshire District Council voted by six votes to five to grant planning permission for a proposal to change a former fireplace factory into a 64-bed care home.
The site, Adelphi House, in Hunton, near Bedale, has been empty for several years and is facing dereliction.
The application had strong support from the local parish council and the majority of nearby residents, who said they wanted to see the site turned into something useful.
More than 50 jobs could be created by the new care home and it could also lead to a more regular bus service for the village as a whole.
One official objection to the plans was submitted, from the owner of a farm that lies close to the property, on the grounds that noise and smells from his farm will upset residents and could lead to him being made to change his methods.
The council was split over whether there was a demonstrable need for the unit, which will provide residential and nursing care, and whether the site itself is suitable for the use, as it is located on a narrow lane outside the village centre.
Steve Keohane, who owns the property, spoke at the meeting and told councillors: "I ask you to keep one thing to the front of your minds – in three years we have been unable to fill this property and now it is facing dereliction as its only option if you oppose these plans.
"Hunton is a vibrant village with all the amenities that residents of this home would need. I ask you to let common sense prevail."
One sticking point that could remain is that the Environment Agency objected to the plans on the grounds that no assessment of the risks of pollution to the water supply had been carried out.
Councillors who voted in favour of the plan attached an amendment, stating that the Environment Agency must give the go ahead for the plans before building can start.
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