Care home approved despite road danger fears

Developers said the home would provide "much-needed" care beds in Norfolk

A large care home will be built next to a major road despite safety concerns that its location could be "dangerous" for residents.

Breckland Council in Norfolk approved an application for the 60-bed facility next to the junction of Draytonhall Lane and the A47 in Scarning.

They faced strong local opposition, with residents concerned that late-stage dementia patients living there could venture to the busy road nearby.

The developers behind the plans said the home would meet safety and security regulations, and residents would not be able to "wander off".

The plans for the site, on the western edge of Dereham, first emerged nearly three years ago and included designs for the new care home along with a garden, cafe and car park.

The application was originally refused in 2023, and an appeal of this decision to the Planning Inspectorate was also thrown out, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Officials raised issues relating to nutrient neutrality rules, which prevented new housing developments from increasing pollution in sensitive habitats.

However, after the developers agreed on a suitable mitigation scheme, a report for councillors recommended the plans should be approved, on the basis that more care places were "much needed" in the area.

Concerns were also raised that the location of the home is too far outside of Dereham

Scarning Parish Council raised fears about dementia patients in the facility "wandering off" into the road.

Councillor Neil Parsons said the home would be "right next to one of the most dangerous junctions on the A47 and is entirely unsuitable".

"We have grave concerns that this will result in a serious accident," he added.

Despite these concerns, no objections were raised by any of the highway authorities.

A representative for the developers, TilCo, said the home would "meet current regulations surrounding security and safety".

"Entry to and from a modern care home is exceptionally closely controlled – vulnerable residents will not simply be able to wander off," they added.

The application was approved by Breckland Council's planning committee.