A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build an old people’s home on the edge of York is set to be given the go-ahead.

Planners are expected to approve the project to create a three-storey nursing home in Strensall despite a wave of objections from local residents and councillors.

They have claimed the Princess Road home would cause traffic problems in the area and its size would be “overwhelming” for a residential street, as well as taking up a site originally earmarked for low-cost housing.

But City of York Council’s east area planning officials have recommended the scheme, drawn up by Bonnycroft LLP and including space for around 50 people, for approval. It will meet to make a decision on the application next week.

Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council, the York Natural Environment Panel, the Council for the Protection of Rural England and 69 local residents have all opposed the nursing home plans, saying the need for it had “not been demonstrated” and that its creation would mean an “over-supply” of elderly care accommodation in the area.

The York Natural Environment Panel said it would be “an over-large, intrusive element in an otherwise rural setting” and would have “an overpowering presence out of keeping with the village”.

But a report to the committee says: “The council’s housing and adult services department has confirmed that there is a high demand for care homes for the elderly.

“Demand for such places is expected to increase – for example, by 2025, the number of elderly people with dementia in York is forecast to increase by 32 per cent.

“Given the scale and impact of the current proposal, it is unlikely to result in a concentration of care homes which is likely to have an adverse impact on residential amenity or the character of the area.”

However, if approved, a planning condition is expected to be added stating that the building can only be used as a nursing home and not as a secure institution, such as a young offenders’ facility.

But Coun James Alexander, who chairs the council’s health overview and scrutiny committee, said he would formally oppose the scheme. He said: “I have written to residents who have objected and given them my full support – I think the location is wholly inappropriate and the land is already designated for much-needed family housing.”