PLANS for a new care home on the site of Chesham's former hospital were unanimously given approval this evening.

The proposals for a five-storey 80-bed nursing and rehabilitation unit in Hospital Hill were given the green light by members of Chiltern District Council's planning committee.

A previous scheme for a 128-bed unit in a seven storey building made by Chesham Care Ltd was rejected two years ago – but the new, smaller plans were passed by seven votes to none.

Chesham Hospital closed in 2005 after 136 years.

Lesa Walton, managing director of Chesham Care Ltd, said: “Many people who who had a need for this sort of care found themselves a long way from home and away from their family and friends. This need not be the case for the people of Chesham if this goes ahead.

“We would be one of Chesham's major employers.

“Chesham Hospital is currently a derelict eyesore, falling further and further into disrepair and we want to build a long-term, sustainable development.”

Concerns were raised about the height of the building by resident Jill Grimwood, with councillors on the planning committee having reservations about a lack of parking spaces.

Cllr John Wertheim said access problems were “appalling”, adding: “There's virtually no room to turn round at all.”

But committee chairman Cllr Don Phillips said no concerns had been raised by the Highways Authority.

Cllr Geoff Peters added: “It's not an accident and emergency unit. You don't have ambulances haring in and out all times of day or night. It's a nursing and rehabilitation unit.

“It's been reduced by 48 beds and two floors. If you reduce it any more it becomes non-viable. The officers have got it totally right.”

Chesham Mayor Cllr Jane Bramwell, a member of the planning committee, said the new unit would be a “welcome addition to the community”.