A ‘LUXURIOUS’ care home that was refused by the council but later approved on appeal has now opened.

Launton Grange care home on Skimmingdish Lane, Bicester, held its official virtual grand opening ceremony with the help of Strictly Come Dancing star Flavia Cacace on November 13.

Operated by Ideal Carehomes, the two-storey facility has created more than 30 jobs for local people during its first phase of recruitment and will provide a home for 66 people.

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But when the proposal was put to Cherwell District Council in 2017, the planning committee refused it because the site is within an area that was reserved for recreation use in the Cherwell Local Plan 1996.

It was therefore contrary to Policy Bicester 7 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031, as the reservation was saved to this Plan which seeks to establish an ‘urban edge park’ around the outskirts of the town.

The care home was also considered to be in an ‘unsustainable and isolated’ location for visitors and staff, as people would have to walk long distances to the nearest shops, bus stop and other services.

Some residents were also against the plan with concerns that it would destroy a wildlife site and that it would be prone to flooding.

Bicester resident Judy Young said at the time: “We really need to be looking at brown field sites or whatever they are called rather than building on the green lungs which Bicester needs, to stop it turning into the unhealthiest place to live.”

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Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) objected saying: “The site is recognised, by TVERC, as a District Wildlife Site. The increasing loss of such sites around the county must be stopped, as access to such wildlife sites is important for the health and wellbeing of all Bicester’s residents.”

Despite this, Ideal Carehomes appealed the decision and it was later approved by a planning inspector in 2018.

The Inspector, A J Steen, said the care home would conflict with Cherwell’s Plan, but because Mulberry Homes had offered to provide a walking route within a future urban edge park, the appeal would be allowed.

The Inspector also justified approving the development because it would provide a ‘substantial contribution’ toward care home provision in the area.

Launton Grange provides staff with ‘industry leading’ training, coupled with the latest care plan technology to ensure residents feel safe, relaxed and fulfilled as they move into the next chapter of their life.

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Residents can enjoy a full programme of health, leisure and wellbeing activities managed by a team of carers.

Joyce Teat, a 95-year-old resident who cut the ribbon at the grand opening event, said: “In recent years I have needed a little more help to do the things I love and over the UK’s first lockdown I began to feel very lonely and started looking into care options.

“I fell in love with Launton Grange and knew this is where I wanted to live, from the staff, activities and delicious food, I couldn’t be happier and I feel like I have my freedom back.”