COUNCILLORS have rejected a defiant developers’ bid to construct a 69-bed care home for the elderly in Hartford for the second time.

The same committee also rejected the Chester Road scheme’s original form in July, and felt that revisions to the project were not sufficient in addressing their concerns.

As in July, the committee’s reason for doing so was ‘failing to contribute positively to the character of the area’.

Cllr Sam Naylor, who represents the Northwich Witton ward, encouraged members to block the plans by saying: “Please listen to the residents — they are real people with heartfelt views. I can tell you with complete confidence that this community does not want this bulky building in this location.

“It is the beauty of the existing houses versus the beast of this bulky care home. This will be a pig of a building.

“The developers can smear on as much lipstick as they like, but it will still be a pig.”

Since July, developers New Care had altered plans to remove the four dwellings proposed at the rear of the site, move the home further back from the roadside, add more landscaping, and boost the number of parking spaces.

Representing New Care, which is headquartered in Altrincham, was Cath Fairhurst.

“With the high level of need identified in Hartford by the Caterwood report, we are delighted to offer care locally as a quality provider,” said the chief operating officer, who also said the company’s homes have a track record of taking pressure off GP services by employing in-house nurses.

Although the planning committee has rejected the proposal, the original scheme could still go ahead as has gone to appeal.