PLANS to increase the size of a Salisbury care home have been criticised for being “too big, too close and too dominating”.

Proposals lodged by Wessex Care to increase the size of Little Manor Nursing Home, in Manor Farm Road, from 24 to 30 bedrooms were refused by Wiltshire Council’s southern area planning committee on March 8.

Founding director of Wessex Care Matthew Airey said the reason behind the proposed increase was to be able to meet the future need for care home beds, with a predicted shortfall across the county of 295 beds by 2026.

He added: “We want continue to provide really high-quality care in the heart of our community. These people I think deserve and have a right to still remain in the community that the majority have come from.”

The scheme would have brought the home in line with Care Quality Commission standards, and introduced a new dining area and balcony, along with a frosted glass walkway. But it was met with dismay by nearby residents.

Neighbour Richard Fuller argued that the proposal would affect his privacy as the dining area would overlook his garden.

Mr Fuller said that he and his wife have lived in their house in Westbourne Close for 19 years and the care home's plans would have an impact on his home, adding: “The proposed is too big, too close and too dominant for the site.”

This was supported by committee members who said that the issue needed to be addressed.

Cllr Sven Hocking said: “This will absolutely have a huge impact on their privacy,” and Cllr Ian McLennan added: “I think there still needs to be a lot of dialogue on this one.”

Concerns were raised that if the plan was not given the go ahead then the authority would not be able to meet the need for beds, but committee chairman Cllr Fred Westmoreland said that if the design was approved it would “end up with something we will regret in a few years’ time.”

The care company will now go back to the drawing board and talk to its project team about future plans.

Mr Airey said: “There is no doubt we need these beds. I thought we had got it right.”