ANGRY campaigners have hit out at renewed plans for a dementia care home in Effingham.
In May the Minton Group was refused permission for a 72-bed home on land beside Church Street and Lower Road – but the firm has now sent locals leaflets outlining a new plan for a 60-bed facility.
Opponents have branded the idea "stupid", as the first application was rejected by Guildford Borough Council because the site is green-belt land surrounded by listed buildings.
Kevin Ladywell, of Norwood Road, Effingham, said: "It is ridiculous. While the size of the building was a reason for the council to reject it, mainly it was all the planning laws that it was breaking.
"The site is green-belt-protected, it is next to a 14th-century church and a 17th-century shooting lodge and is in Church Street, a road that hasn't been built on in decades. To submit an application on the exact same site that it was rejected less than a year ago gives me great confidence that it will be rejected all over again."
Susan Bramwell, of High Barn Road, said: "The site is outside the settlement area and inside the conservation area, so it's never going to be approved. It's a stupid idea and a waste of time and money."
As well as the reduced number of beds, the Minton Group's new plan includes lowering the height and length of the building and reducing floor space by 20 per cent.
The developer has sent out details to local people and intends to submit an application by the end of the month which, if approved, could lead to construction work next autumn and completion in late 2014.
Minton Group director Adam Simpkin told the Advertiser: "Local people understand the real need for a care home and specialist dementia care in Effingham. However, earlier this year the planning committee effectively told us to rethink the details of the design.
"We have listened and will be submitting plans for a much smaller care home, which will be in keeping with the area and deliver the much-needed care for older people and dementia sufferers in Effingham."
Villager Ellen Berger agreed that a care home is needed.
She said: "My grandmother suffers from dementia and I can't think of a better use of empty space."
