A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has blocked a scheme that would have worsened the desperate shortage of care home places in the New Forest.

Gerry Hollington has rejected proposals to turn Oaklands residential care home in Veals Lane, Marchwood, into self-contained flats.

The applicant appealed after New Forest District Council refused the conversion scheme, but Mr Hollington has dismissed the appeal and upheld the authority's decision.

His report says: "The appeal site is in countryside which forms part of the strategic gap between Marchwood and Hythe.

"It's in a sensitive location where residential and other development is not normally permitted. The combination of physical change in the site's appearance and the clear perception of greater activity would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area."

Meanwhile, Angel Care Plc has appealed after the district council rejected its application to build an Elderly Mentally Infirm (EMI) unit at Birchy Hill Nursing Home, Sway.

An Angel Care spokesman said care homes had seen an increase in EMI patients, who needed specialist care and conditions.

He added: "The fabric of the existing building does not allow for substantial modifications. Permission was sought to create a specialist wing to provide 24-hour care for residents suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other conditions."

Colbury House at Hill Street, near Totton, has also lodged an appeal after the district council rejected its application for a two-storey extension.

Pensioners in the Forest have been hit by a growing shortage of care home places.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the number of people aged over 85 years is rising but 20 care homes have closed and others are likely to follow.

A developer has applied for permission to turn Kingsland Rest Home in Westover Road, Milford-on-Sea, into 12 flats.