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Plans for a new home in a Wiltshire town specialising in care for people with dementia have been approved.

The council's cabinet approved the plans to redevelop the Paddocks care home in Trowbridge earlier.

The new facility, with about 60 bedrooms, will be built on the site of the existing home if planning permission is granted.

A council spokesman said the Paddocks was no longer fit for purpose.

The new home is being provided by Wiltshire Council and the Orders of St John Care Trust. A consultation was carried out.

A council spokeswoman said planning permission was granted previously, but had to be re-applied for after the time frame for the work to begin lapsed.

She said finding alternative accommodation for residents had delayed it.

'Growing demand'

John Thomson, the council's cabinet member for adult care, said: "We understand this will mean change for the current residents of the Paddocks, and people may feel anxious about moving.

"We are working closely with residents and their families to ensure we reach an outcome that is right for each person.

"The Paddocks does not currently have the space or modern facilities people have come to expect.

"This, coupled with the growing demand for specialist care, has prompted this redevelopment opportunity."

The spokesman said the Paddocks is due to close in the spring of next year.

Residents can choose between moving to another care home, or to a new home in Rutland Crescent, Trowbridge, he added.