A CARE home will get extra space for people with dementia after councillors defied objectors and approved a secondary scheme to build a block of retirement flats nearby.

Previously approved plans to build an extra wing for dementia sufferers at Dorset House in Droitwich had been thrown into doubt after care provider Agecare said it could only go ahead with the money from the sale of the land where flats will be built.

Agecare has permission to put 36 rooms in the dementia wing at Dorset House, which currently has 41 rooms.

It wants to build a three-storey block of 27 flats for the over-55s with 27 extra parking spaces on an allotment in the home's grounds.

However, people living near the Blackfriars Avenue home told Wychavon district councillors it was wrong Agecare had not explained before that the two schemes were linked.

At a meeting on Thursday, April 5, Dr Peter Bulman spoke on behalf of 40, 42, 44 and 46 Worcester Road and residents of Wedgeberrow Close.

He said: "It's our view that the scheme is too big for the site. Dorset Home is a care home. It's impossible to think there wouldn't be a great deal of traffic. There is already a problem because of the Blackfriars Avenue dental practice. It will effectively give rise to a barracks in the middle of a car park."

However, Agecare's Ian McLintock said the scheme was supported by the Highways Authority. He said: "This is a unique opportunity to create a centre for vulnerable people in the community."

Councillors also heard that the £47,000 Agecare had agreed to pay towards public open spaces would go towards the Lido Park.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Jenny Bulman said she was concerned for Dorset House residents. She believes there will be increased traffic with ambulances visiting the site, more visitors and more cars being used by the extra staff.

She added, she was concerned as a doctor that those living at Dorset House would lose their pleasant surroundings to a car park and be unable to exercise or enjoy the gardens.