Plans for a proposed 66-bed care home for elderly people in Ruscombe have been refused by officers from Wokingham Borough Council.
LNY Care Development had submitted the plans for land to the west of New Road in Ruscombe.
In its application, it said: “The proposed care home will offer those in need of care an improved quality and choice of accommodation, above that which is currently available within the local market.
“It would also assist in the delivery of a more sustainable and inclusive community in Ruscombe, Twyford.”
It said that residents and employees are expected to emanate from the local area, typically within a three-mile radius of the site, which ensures the local community benefits first from the development.
“LNT has derived that there is a current and growing need for care provision in the area.
“This is projected to worsen with the population of older people within the local area due to increase, going forwards.
“Within a three-mile radius, there is an approximate total population of 34,546, of which 6,758 (19.56%) are aged 65 years or older.
“Projections for 2027 show that the population is estimated to grow by 2.84% to 36,491, and the percentage of people aged 65 years and over, is expected to grow by an even greater percentage and generate yet further demands for residential and dementia care beds.
“Against this background, the proposed development is expected to provide further, much needed care accommodation, within the immediate local area.”
The plans had attracted a large number of objections from local residents during the consultation period.
In refusing the decision, officers cited the proposal, by virtue of its bulk, mass and height, would significantly harm the residential character of the street scene.
The absence of certain legal agreements as part of the application was also mentioned in the refusal note dated October 10.
