Plans to redevelop a former hospital site in Carlisle into a supported care facility for older people have been refused.
Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee turned down the application for the 72-bedroom three-storey facility at the former Caldew Hospital on Dalston Road because it would overlook the surrounding area and was too big.
Proposals were submitted by Oculus Real Estate for the supported care facility for the elderly in 2023.
The former Caldew hospital site was formerly a rectory and closed around 2018.
Members of the authority’s committee were recommended to approve the plans.
However, there were a number of objections from neighbouring properties, who were concerned about its size, saying it was too dominant.
Hannah Thompson, the applicant’s agent, told members that it would bring a long vacant site back into use and all consultees had raised no objections.
Councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour) said the development would create problems for residents and he wondered if there was anything that could be done to lessen the pain. Officers said the members had to decide whether or not the scheme was acceptable.
Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said it was quite a large building and wondered why it was not centrally located at the site to move it further from neighbouring properties,
He proposed that they reject the application and added: “I am uncomfortable with the size of this.”
He was seconded by councillor Andrew Semple (Cockermouth South, Labour).
Officers had recommended approval but when it was put to the vote just three members were in favour of rejection with six members abstaining and planning permission was refused.
