BUILDING work can now start on a new 64-bed care home in Chalfont St Peter after planning permission was granted.

Plans to replace two disused buildings at the Epilepsy Society in the village with the new facility were approved by Chiltern District Council's planning committee on Thursday.

A previous application was turned down earlier this year as the applicant had not carried out a survey on the number of bats living on the site, which is a legal requirement of the planning process.

Members of the committee said at April's meeting they were minded to approve the application, which had also been supported by residents' groups.

The proposals were put forward by the Porthaven Care group, which specialises in providing 24 hour nursing care for the frail elderly and those in need of dementia care and support.

Porthaven are also responsible for the Chiltern Grange care home in Stokenchurch and the Avondale care home in Aylesbury.

It is expected the new care home will create 60 new jobs.