PLANS for a revamped special needs centre in Vange have been turned down following a protest from residents.

A group from St Teresa’s Close gathered at the council planning committee meeting to voice their concerns.

The proposal was for refurbishment works on two run-down buildings to create a centre for people with conditions including autism, epilepsy, sensory impairment and dementia.

The plan also included 16 flats to be used by the residents and nine parking spaces, which were to be used by support staff.

It was rejected after a majority of the council’s planning committee agreed with residents that it would be an over-development and lead to parking problems for neighbouring homes.

Resident Joanne Reed, 33, who attended with her two young children, told the committee: “If all 16 residents do get visitors then what will happen to us? Many of the people who live on our street already have to park on the road and this will make things much worse.”

Her neighbour Jim Robinson said delivery vehicles already struggle to get down the “very narrow” road, and Brenda Dyer said she wasn’t notified about the project and criticised the consultation process.

David Gill, principal planning officer, said it had been recommended for approval because it would fulfil a need for accommodation for people with learning difficulties.

He said the plans would be in keeping with the street and an improvement of the two buildings which were built in the Sixties.

He said one of the buildings is currently used for people with learning difficulties, and the other is rented out privately.

However Labour councillor Phil Rackley, and Lib Dem Geoff Williams voted in favour of the project.

But it was refused planning permission after Conserva-tive committee members Ron Livesey, Geoff Buckenham, Chris Jackman, Ann Blake, and chairman Stephen Hillier voted against.