PLANS to build a large residential care home between Bracknell and Ascot have been shelved after councillors deemed it would be “harmful” to the area.

The care home was set to feature 73 assisted living units, a communal lounge, dining room, kitchen, hair salon and treatment room at a four-storey building on Swinley Road in Ascot.

But the proposals were scrapped by members of Bracknell Forest Council’s (BFC) planning committee at a meeting on Thursday, March 21.

The committee agreed: “The proposal would result in a large development, of increased height, scale and mass of built form than currently on the site, and out of scale with other development in the area.

“The proposal would require the removal of a number of protected trees. Accordingly, the proposal would result in an incongruous development, harmful to the character and appearance of the area and the site.”

Last week the News reported concerns raised by residents about the future of the gap between Ascot and Bracknell’ if the application had been approved.

One resident wrote: “There is a green gap between Bracknell and Ascot and it is referred to repeatedly in local plans. It is not a joke nor is it something to be eroded. This application would erode it.”

Officers had initially recommended refusal of the plans but councillors were forced to give a new verdict after councillor Virgo argued for its approval on the grounds it would be “a good addition to the community given its location close to the Heatherwood Hospital and Forresters.”

Planning committee members went to visit the proposed site on Saturday, March 16 before coming together to make a decision on the care home.

Councillors noted letters of objection from residents and Winkfield Parish Council, with the latter urging the committee to refuse the plans due to safety fears, impractical pedestrian access and further fears about the closure of the gap between Bracknell and Ascot.