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Rossendale councillors have given planning permission for a major expansion of a care home on green belt land.

An additional 48 en-suite bedrooms, and four extra-care apartments, will be built at Lavender Hills Care Home in Ramsbottom, which specialises in helping the elderly and people with dementia.

Millennium Care, the planning applicant, said the new "care village" - on Stubbins Vale Road - would provide a model of care designed to resemble living at home.

Councillors said they recognised the importance of care services and financial investment in new buildings and jobs, but there were calls for the expansion to include more sustainable energy systems.

The extension will include communal amenities, landscaping and car parking, as well as publicly accessible facilities including a bistro, according to the application.

Some councillors voiced concern that the site’s location means it is unlikely residents or visitors will make use of small shops or amenities elsewhere in neighbouring  towns or villages.

Special circumstances are needed to justify new buildings in the green belt, under planning rules.

Millennium Care pointed to the need for specialised accommodation for elderly and dementia care, and male-only dementia units.

It also cited the economic outlook of the care sector, and the future viability of the existing home without being extended - stating the current building did not meet future requirements.

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