Anger has erupted over plans to build a care home for disabled people in Wickford.
The scheme was approved unanimously by district planning councillors, despite fierce opposition from families living near the site of the proposed home.
Basildon Council approved plans for the council-run accommodation block, for people with profound learning and physical difficulties, off Cartlodge Avenue.
Local resident James Ware accused the development control and traffic management committee of watering down objections. He said: "I suggest that if this had been a private developer, the plan would have been thrown out.
"But as this is a council initiative, any objections are being watered down and disregarded."
Mr Ware said two years ago the council had refused a private application for six flats to be built on the land.
The council received 20 letters of complaint from nearby residents, expressing concerns over road safety and the impact of extra traffic on already-congested residential roads.
The approved building will be single-storey, with four bedrooms, a communal lounge and dining room, a kitchen, a utility room and a patio with a staff room and staff sleep-over.
Published Thursday August 5, 2004
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