Plans to expand a Forest care home have been approved despite strong opposition.

Severn Care Ltd was granted permission for a single storey residential unit within the grounds of Gatwick House in Bollow near Westbury.

The assisted living facility accommodates up to 14 adults with severe learning disabilities which require 24-hour care and support.

The latest proposal will provide the potential to increase the capacity to support 15 people.

More than 40 people objected to the retrospective proposals, which were considered by the Forest Council’s development management committee last week.

Martyn Burrows, a resident who spoke at the meeting, said the development had outgrown its site and is having an impact on local people.

“We’ve been here several times,” he said.

He said the development started with “six people, then eight people, then 10, then 14 now 15”.

“We haven’t got a problem with the residents. We haven’t got a problem with the development.

“What we have got a problem with is it has been done underhanded again.

“The development has outgrown where it should be. It was originally an orchard.”

He went on to say the lane flooded six times last year and it was “over the top of the wheels” and claimed a newt pond had been filled.

“It might not matter to you but it matters to us because we live there and we’ve got to put up with it,” he added.

Registered manager Hannah Morris told the meeting said there had been a full management restructure two and a half years ago.

“Since then we have been working incredibly hard to ensure the people we support are happy, safe, well supported and living fulfilling lives,” she said.

She said they also strongly believe in being part of the community and use the local facilities.

“I’m happy to engage with the neighbours. Come and speak to us about any of the issue rather than going directly to councils so that we can resolve them.”

She said the suggestion that people “wander the lanes alone” is “simply not the case”.

She also said their Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating for Gatwick Rise is for 14 people and that will not increase and she explained they currently support eight people.

She called on the committee to “consider the person behind the application”.

Cllr Richard Burton (Green, Newnham) proposed approving the plans in line with the officer’s recommendation, seconded by Cllr Gill Moseley (Lib Dem, Newent and Taynton).

But Cllr Simon Phelps (Ind, Westbury) said it was “a bit rash” to put the proposal before hearing from the ward member.

He said the plans were “very contentious” issue in the parish and he raised concerns over safeguarding, environmental issues around sewage and unauthorised road markings.

“There is a great sense of frustration that these issues have not been addressed by the appropriate authorities,” he said.

“This has gone on repeatedly for a considerable number of years.”

Cllr John Francis (Ind, Huntley and Longhope) said a planning condition could address sewage issues.

Councillors voted to grant permission.