Inspector, Appeal Decision“…Based on the evidence before me I am satisfied that a need has been demonstrated for additional nursing home accommodation in the area”
This long running planning saga commenced with a December 2019 application to demolish four existing dwellings on Danson Road, Bexleyheath, Kent and replace with 70-bed nursing home.
Following refusal of planning consent in November 2021, Carebase turned to HPC for appeal representation. As a result, Nigel Newton Taylor (Director of HPC) provided Expert Witness evidence appertaining to care home need and supply to the appeal Inquiry held in December 2022. The appeal process took an unexpected turn in the lead up to formal proceedings when the London Borough of Bexley withdrew all reasons for refusal and took no further part (other than for administrative purposes). The Inquiry proceeded with the Danson Road Neighbours Residents Group having achieved Rule 6 status.
The matter of need for care home provision was highlighted by the Rule 6 party as being questionable and subsequently explored in full during the Inquiry. With the Inspector ultimately accepting a need for the development to exist, the appeal was allowed by way of decision dated 26th January 2023.
