A PLAN to build a two storey, 60-bedroom care home in Okehampton — rejected by the borough council last year — has won through on appeal.

The approval by the Planning Inspectorate has left the town's West Devon Borough Councillors shocked and disappointed.

The plans were rejected by the borough in November because of overdevelopment and highways issues.

Cllr Ken Williams said this week: 'West Devon Borough Council felt it was making the right decision when we rejected the plans, but it has been overruled and that is a shame.

'One of the issues we had were two very tall trees, which will have to be taken down and the other is that the plot falls on an old burial site, which dates back to the late 1800s.

'There is a history connected to the site and not only that, I am disappointed that we are continuing to lose the few green spots we have left in Okehampton.

'Unfortunately, it is out of our hands now.'

Residents submitted 24 letters of objection to the planning authority last November — the proposal had been recommended for approval by council officers, but the committee went against their advice.

The development will be on a brownfield site, which was one of the reasons why officers thought it would be difficult to refuse.

West Devon Borough Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'I'm horrified that the site has been allowed.

'I think the access is potentially dangerous. There may not be cars to-ing and fro-ing but service vehicles and lorries will be using the road and it is a one-way road.

'It is also a historical site. The area should have been looked at sympathetically.

'All our historical areas are disappearing, it shouldn't be happening but unfortunately they are continuing to clear out and knock these places down

'I for one, am very disappointed with the decision for the proposal to go ahead.'

Cllr John Young said: 'I think we had reached the right decision but unfortunately we have been overlooked.

'Back in the day when Okehampton was a medieval town, its tenants would have had a plot of land at the back of their houses but this all seems to be disappearing — the ancient medieval fabric of Okehampton is now no longer and it's a big loss to the town.

'The proposed plot has been a green space since medieval times and I can't think of any other remnant of fields in the centre of Okehampton.

'It is a very difficult site for access and that was one of our reasons for rejecting the plans originally.'

Cllr Young questioned the growing number of care homes for the elderly in Okehampton.

'There is also the issue of the level of provision for old people in Okehampton, which is starting to get high.

'There are a lot of care homes in the town already and I don't think another will benefit us.

'It would be great to see the plot used as a community, green space but unfortunately, this is not going to happen.'

The planning inspector had agreed that a care home on North Street would generate 25% less traffic.

Planning consultant John Eaton, on behalf of the applicant, Barnfield Commercial, said: 'We are delighted the planning inspector has allowed the appeal and acknowledged that the proposed care home is as the planning officer advised his committee, an appropriate development.

'It will be proved a much needed facility for the town.'