A NEW 120-bed care home will be built in Baughurst after an application was approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC).

Councillors agreed that there is an overriding need for the facility, which will be built on Bishopswood Golf Course, in Bishopswood Lane.

The decision was made by councillors during a development control committee meeting on Wednesday, 6, September.

Prior to the meeting, the borough council had received 58 letters of objection and a petition of 48 signatures against the development also received, while 10 letters of support were submitted.

However, the decision was not popular with everyone in attendance at the meeting.

Tadley Town councillor Sue Mullen said the introduction of the care home would put more pressure on already stretched GP services in the area.

Cllr Mullen said: “Local GPs are at breaking point and to get an appointment at the moment you are waiting weeks.

“So the idea of 120 new residents would stretch this even further.”

John Montgomery, who was speaking on behalf developers Graham Land and Developments, said the home would have its own professional staff which will reduce pressure on existing practices.

Plans were approved by members, despite issues surrounding the access road along Bishopswood Lane, but a need for this type of medical facility in the area outweighed these concerns.

Tadley South ward councillor, cllr David Leeks said: “When I first saw this application two years ago I was going to vote against it.

“But now the only problem I have seen it’s the access of the entrance and exit as a lot of people do walk down Bishopwoods Lane, but I have had some reassurance that this would be brought up to standard.”