PLANS for a dementia care centre in a Hampshire village have been rejected.

The proposal for land to the back of Blackthorn Health Centre, in Satchell Lane, in Hamble has been thrown out because of the impact that the development would have on the green gap between Bursledon, Hamble and Hound.

The plans for a 64-bedroom care home to be built next to a health centre were put forward by Healthcare Management Trust.

The development was expected to create 64 new jobs but the Bursledon, Hamble-Le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee rejected the proposal.

Cllr Steve Holes said: “This particular facility looks fantastic, sadly though this application is in a country gap and we are under a lot of pressure. This development would set a precedent which would be very difficult to defend.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, an appeal hearing into 80 new homes on a green gap between Bursledon, Hamble and Netley is set to take place later this year after committee members rejected the plans.

He added: “ It is the right facility for the borough but in the wrong location. I would be very happy to find a location for this.”

Cllr Elizabeth Lear, who voted in favour of the proposal, said: “ I do feel that this is something very necessary to this area and near the surgery. It doesn’t interfere with the gap. I don’t know where else it will be more suitable.”

The developer said the proposal is “ideal” and that the committee had only one reason for the refusal.

However, Cllr Tonia Craig said: “ It may be one reason but it is a relevant reason. We are not a borough that doesn’t want this facility. We know there is a need for care facilities. It’s not that we are not interested in dementia homes but they have to be in the right place.”

Cllr Craig also invited the developer to look at other land available in the borough.