Elker Developments Ltd wanted to build the home on land they already own to the northwest of Billington.
The company said the Continuing Care Retirement Community concept is new to the UK and is “very different” from conventional care with accommodation, offering a combination of independence and security of lifestyle within a “socially active and supportive community.”
Residents raised a number of concerns about the development, including the parking situation given the development’s proximity to St Augustine’s School.
The proposed development (Image: Elker Developments)
One person said: “Given the proposed development, I am concerned that the current parking and traffic situation will only exacerbate. It is crucial that we address these issues proactively to ensure the safety and convenience of all road users.”
Another person said Billington did not need another large development.
They said: “Elker Meadows is primarily a development for senior citizens. My concern is that Billington does not require another large-scale development at this time, especially given the unique demographic of our existing community.”
In their decision notice, Ribble Valley Council said the development would lead to an “unsustainable pattern of development” and that it would be “visually unsympathetic.”
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The council added that it had not been demonstrated that the proposal was “essential to the local economy or social wellbeing of the area.”
A Community generally includes a nursing care unit that can provide end-of-life care close to home and more intense episodes of care and rehabilitation for those who need it.
This could include short-term health and social care, treatment and support, specialist respite care, rehabilitation and intermediate care to enable early discharge, and to prevent acute hospital admission and palliative care.
The proposed site (Image: Elker Developments)
A planning statement said the accommodation, for anyone over 55 and anyone with disabilities or other health problems, provides flexible and responsive care which cannot be found at traditional care homes where people may experience separation from family and a loss of autonomy.
The proposed community would have had four main types of accommodation to suit varying levels of need: care bedrooms, close care units service by on-site care, linked assisted living serviced by an on-site care agency, and assisted living units, all registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Elker Developments Ltd has six months to appeal the council’s decision if they wish.
To view the plans in full, visit the council’s planning website.