Plans to increase a care home by nearly six times its original size have been approved by councillors, despite huge opposition to the scheme.
St Matthews Healthcare has been given the go-ahead to expand its site at Broomhill, in Holdenby Road, Spratton, from 15 beds to 99.
The project has faced much opposition since details emerged last summer, and Spratton Parish Council formally objected to it at a packed public meeting in September.
Campaigners have made regular references to the home being for “mentally ill” patients.
But applicant, Sean Sidhu-Brar, said it would primarily cater for elderly people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and would not be a mental institution.
Spratton resident, Sally Fox, said: “It is hugely disappointing. I don’t think the planning department have listened to us or considered the planning issues. I think they have let us down.
“We are shocked. It seems like people’s objections have not been listened to.”
Chuong Phillips, planning case officer for Daventry District Council, said she felt her report “fully considered the relevant planning matters”.
As a formal complaint about the planning process has been made, the matter has been passed to the chairman of the planning committee, Diana Osbourne, to consider a response.
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