Campaigners battling plans to build 112-bed nursing home in Pilgrims Hatch have reacted angrily to the applicants move to get the plans through via 'the back door'.

In July the application was sent by councillors on the planning committee to the full council meeting on October 20 where a decision would be made.

But instead of waiting to see the verdict the applicants, Ranc Care Homes Ltd have lodged an appeal taking the power of the final decision out of the borough council's hands and into the judgement of the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Campaigners opposed to the plans feel this has been done because Brentwood councillors supported residents and would have gone along the planning committee's recommendation to refuse the application.

Planning officers had backed the three-storey building on the former Pilgrims Hatch Infant School site despite 32 letters of objection which contained 42 signatures.

Campaigners filled the council chamber in July to see how members of the planning committee would vote and were delighted when they forwarded it to a full council meeting calling for its refusal.

Chairman of Governors at Larchwood Primary School, Angela Bailey, said: "There is a very strong chance that the applicants have done this because they suspect Brentwood Council will turn them down. It looks like they are trying to get this through via the back door.

"Even though the perimeter of the home would be about three foot from our football pitch, this is not a case of NIMBYISM. The home would be very out of character with the area. I feel it's the wrong thing in the wrong place."

The full council is still set to discuss the matter on October 20 and their points will also be sent to the Secretary of State for consideration.

If you would like to express your views on the appeal write to Room 308 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN. You should quote reference H1515A041160398.

Published Wednesday October 6, 2004

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