By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for a 30-bed mental health unit in a Nottinghamshire village have been refused following concerns they contained a “woefully inadequate” transport plan and may harm the greenbelt.
The unit, which was proposed for Kneeton Road in East Bridgford, has been turned down by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Applicant Cygnet Healthcare submitted plans for the two-storey building in May.
The company already has a 16-bed unit on the site, which provides assessment and intervention for adults with mental health needs.
But the council has refused the new development plans and said they were “inappropriate” due to the location in the greenbelt.
Concerns were also raised as the applicant “failed to demonstrate that a safe means of access to the proposed development can be achieved”.
The applicant said 43 parking spaces would be created if the plans were approved.
But councillors raised issues with the proposals situated nearby the Grade II listed building, East Bridgford Manor.
Ward member for the area Cllr David Simms (Con) said: “I have concerns regarding the proposal detrimentally impacting upon the openness of the Green Belt and the setting of the host listed building.
“Whilst I have noted the special circumstances put forward by the applicant, I do not consider them sufficient to outweigh the perceived harm to the
Green Belt or host listed property.”
East Bridgford Parish Council also objected to the plans due to their location on the green belt and proximity to East Bridgford Manor.
They said the traffic plan is “woeful and inaccurate” and raised issues with the number of parking spaces.
