PLANS to build a special care unit next to an existing nursing home have been blocked by councillors because of the effect it would have on the area.

Health care firm Ashbourne submitted a smaller scheme for its site at Brierfield House Nursing Home, Hardy Avenue, Brierfield, after a previous plan was also rejected by councillors in December.

But the new-look project failed to impress Pendle Council's planning department or councillors who voted against granting planning permission for the two-storey building.

The unit would have been used for the long-term care of young disabled people, heart and stroke patients and infirm elderly people.

But council assistant planning officer Barry Maher said the building would be detrimental to the character of the surrounding residential area and form an over-intensive development of the site.

Councillors followed his recommendation that permission for the building be refused.

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