The extra units, proposed for the BEN Lynwood development in Rise Road, were approved quickly after the panel heard the plans had been amended to remove a proposed maintenance shed and to limit the impact on the green belt.

A final decision on the application was deferred by the panel at a meeting on November 12 so that the developers could re-examine the impact on the green belt and ensure that Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council was consulted, as the development affects both villages.

Royal Borough Cllr Peter Comber, who represents Sunninghill and Ascot, said he was pleased the differing parties had come together to find a way to have the plans approved.

He said: “I’m delighted to see that all the parties have got together. I’m really pleased the issues have been resolved. It’s a big issue in the area.” The amended plans allow a more substantial planting scheme, something which was said to have satisfied the council’s tree officer.

The council’s planning report recommended approval and stated: “The scale and position of the proposed buildings are considered to preserve the openness of the green belt.” It also said: “The proposal will not result in any material harm to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers.” The chairman of Sunningdale Parish Council, Christine Gadd, said: “The council is happy with the unanimous approval as the previous reasons for refusal had been addressed and a substantial new planting scheme is now proposed in place of further parking spaces.” The care units will provide accommodation for physically or mentally frail people aged 65 and over, as well as those suffering from Alzheimer’s or clinical dementia. BEN – the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund – has run a care home and residential home for elderly people on the site since the 1940s and gained approval in 2012 for a full rebuild of the out-dated site.

Plans for a new medical centre on the site were refused in August 2014, but this approval has given campaigners fresh hope that future plans could also be given the go-ahead.

Sunningdale resident Duncan Rayner has long campaigned for the medical centre to be approved. He said: “This gives me hope for when a new application for the medical centre comes before the panel.

“We need a centre now before the excellent but overstretched Magnolia House breaks down.

“With an influx of 200 to 300 new elderly residents into the area in March, welcomed by the local CCGs and the doctors, and badly needed by the residents, the Lynwood site is a no-brainer.”