DISAPPOINTMENT has been voiced over the rejection of an extra care scheme plan that has caused controversy for more than a year.

Broadacres Housing Association first submitted plans for a care complex off Queen Anne’s Drive in Bedale towards the end of 2019.

The plans attracted dozens of objections from residents, district and town councillors who accepted the need for a care scheme in Bedale, but argued that the location and scale of the development was inappropriate.

Plan revisions, two rejections and subsequent appeals took place over the ensuing months, finally leading to a Government planning inspector this week rejecting the plans.

Planning inspector William Walton refused the appeal on the grounds of the effect it would have on the character and appearance of the area.

In a joint statement, Broadacres and North Yorkshire County Council said: “We are disappointed that the proposal for a much-needed extra scheme which would have enabled older people to stay in their local area and community is now not going ahead.

“Numerous other sites in Bedale were considered as part of this process but none were suitable for a scheme of this type.

"We remain committed to providing high quality extra care schemes in North Yorkshire. so we will now be looking at alternatives in other parts of the county.

“Broadacres will now be considering other options for the site as Bedale remains an important community for us to serve.”