Plans to build a home for people with severe dementia have met with opposition from residents.

At a meeting last week, permission was granted for the home to be built at the former Great Brookmead School site in Allerton Road, Borehamwood.

But householders backing on to the land believe it is not suitable for such a development.

Adrian Marks, of Berwick Road, said: "This is not the right place for a home for people with severe dementia.

"It is next to a school in a residential area. There is not enough room for the increase in traffic it would create and insufficient parking. We are also worried about our privacy.

"According to the plans, some of the bedrooms of the home would be overlooking the houses in Berwick Road, and there seems to be no screening proposed.

"If it the plans did go ahead, we would need to be assured that there would be sufficient security and screening around the building."

Other residents were concerned the building would have a detrimental effect on the character of the area, and that it would not help the community in the way a nursery or playground would.

West Herts Community Health NHS Trust, which wants to build the home, was sympathetic to would-be neighbours of the care home.

A spokewoman said: "We are looking for ways in which to provide appropriate screening to preserve privacy. "These are elderly, vulnerable people, so security really is not an issue.

"If they leave the home they will always be accompanied by a member of staff. As well as providing long-term residential care, it will also provide respite care. Relatives will find it easier to visit the home, instead of having to travel further afield."

Plans were approved subject to conditions.

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