Poole nursing home's plan for bedroom expansion is rejected

The proposals for Delph House Nursing Home, which included two two-storey extensions, were deemed to cause environmental harm that could not be outweighed by the benefits.

The application sought permission to deliver an additional 11 care bedrooms and an extension of the laundry room at the site in Upper Golf Links Road, Broadstone.

However, a report by planning officer Jon Maidman set out the reasons it was rejected.

"The economic, environmental and social benefits of this scheme are concluded to be insufficient to outweigh the extent of environmental harm caused by the significant increase in size of the existing building," said Mr Maidman's report.

"The proposal would result in the enlarged building appear overly dominant and imposing when viewed in the street scene which would harm the character and appearance of the area.

"A number of rooms in the extended building would have a poor outlook and lack of natural light to the detriment of future residents."

The building has undergone a number of extensions since it was converted from a dwelling to a nursing home in the mid 1960s.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicants by agents Chapman Lily Planning Ltd said the site had provided care for 39 residents, however, due to regulatory changes, capacity had now been limited to 33 residents.

Champman Lily Planning's statement added: "The proposal presents a sustainable form of development, contributing to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Poole.

"The proposed extensions would make more efficient use of urban land. The development would lead to additional employment and thus economic gain. The proposed extensions would provide modern, fit-for-purpose C2 accommodation, meeting an identified need for new bed spaces."

Eight neighbouring properties had objected to the scheme, as well as Broadstone Neighbourhood Forum and the Society for Poole, with both groups raising concerns around overdevelopment of the site.