WORK is under way to build a state-of-the-art 60 bedroom care home with nursing facilities after planners gave the development the green light.

Hartford Care is now pushing ahead with its £8m specialist care home for older people in Abbotswood, Romsey, after Test Vallley Borough Council decided to grant reserved matters consent for it.

The company says the new home will create the best possible environment for providing quality residential, dementia, nursing, respite and day care for older people.

Chief executive Sean Gavin said: “We are delighted to have gained the consent to bring this outstanding facility to Romsey. We believe there is a real need for this home and we look forward to creating a great place to live and work with care, comfort and companionship to the fore.”

The company aims to open the home in summer 2015.