Haywards Heath care home extension approved

Plans to add a 31-bed extension to a nursing home in Haywards Heath have been approved by Mid Sussex District Council.
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The application for Oakwood, in Amberley Close, was given the nod by the planning committee on Thursday (March 11).

The multi-million pound extension will see the southern wing of the home partially demolished and a part two-storey, part three-storey replacement built, containing bedrooms and communal areas.

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There were plenty of objections to the plans, including concerns raised by Mims Davies MP and Haywards Heath Town Council, along with 28 letters from members of the public.

The concerns included the loss of trees and ecological habitats, overshadowing and loss of privacy once the 10.4m high extension is built, and the design of the building – which one person said ‘looks more like a prison than a care home’.

The council received only four letters of support.

While some councillors also had concerns, others felt it was good use of the land.

Andrew MacNaughton had strong words for residents who had argued that the extension would affect the view from their homes.

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Pointing out that the building would be almost 30m from its neighbours, he said: “I understand people saying ‘it’s going to change our view’ – well they’re not entitled to a view.

“I’m sorry if it sounds rude but in planning terms you haven’t got an entitlement.”

The application, from Sussex Housing and Care, was approved by seven votes to three.

To view the application, log on to pa.midsussex.gov.uk and search for DM/20/1503.