RESIDENTS who initially opposed proposals to build a care home on a former school site near their homes have said they are much happier with a set of revised plans.

On Tuesday, representatives from Quantum Care Ltd held an exhibition at King Community Church, Letchworth GC, for people to view plans for the former Lannock School site.

Previous proposals by the company raised a number of objections from residents in Whiteway, but the new plans were welcomed.

If approved, the care home would be smaller in size and scale than originally planned and there would be 75 beds rather than 90. The plans also propose fewer parking spaces.

The current proposal is also smaller in height, with most of the building planned as two storey, apart from a small part which would be three storey.

Resident Arto Viravorian, whose view from his back window would have been blocked if the original plans were given the go ahead, said: “I think it is a lot better. I feel much happier with this design and they have taken into account what we all said. The only concern that I still have is the one way entry and exit into the care home.”

An outline planning application for homes to be built on the site was also applied for, but Herts County Council, which owns the land, has since said the current planning application will be for a care home only.

But it could be something which the authority may consider to build in the future.

North Herts district councillor David Levett, who represents Letchworth South East, said: “Although the plans are still in a draft form all of the concerns expressed have been taken into account and the new proposal is very different to the original application.

“I like the design but it’s probably going to be one of those ‘Marmite’ designs, love it or hate it.”

The new care home will provide facilities including a day care centre, hairdressing salon and community rooms for hire.