PLANNING permission has been refused for a 42-bed retirement home on the outskirts of Grayshott.

The land for the development, west of Ludshott End, Headley Road, is a greenfield site in the settlement gap between Headley Down and Grayshott.

Last week East Hampshire District Council said the application was “not supported by sufficient justification to demonstrate there was a genuine and proven local need for a countryside location for the proposed extra care housing to warrant an exception to planning policies”.

Other reasons for refusal included planners believing the residents would not be able to enjoy an independent life because the site was not near enough to local facilities.

Citing other policy reasons, the council said because the residents would be physically able they were “likely to access” nearby Ludshott Common, resulting in “increased disturbance” to rare bird species in a protected area.

The application originally submitted sought full planning permission for a 64-bedroom residential care home.

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But as reported by The Herald last month, amended plans were submitted for 42 single bedroom and self-contained extra care studio units for elderly people, with 46 car parking spaces.