PLANS to build a private four-storey house in the grounds of a care home have been submitted for the third time, to the despair of neighbours.
Dr Davie Kanandra has been trying to build the house, in the garden of Beechlands, in Alderton Hill, Loughton, for years and has already been granted outline planning permission by the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol against the wishes of district council officers.
His detailed plans for the home were thrown out unanimously by councillors in May last year, and he lost a subsequent appeal before putting in his current application.
Campaigner Keith Taylor, who lives in nearby Spareleaze Hill, said: “That plan he’s handed in to the council is virtually the same. I don’t know who he’s trying to kid. I think he thinks if he keeps putting them in people might get bored and grant it.
“Loughton is a very nice place and the area in between the houses is very much appreciated.”
Dr Kanandra, who runs 11 care homes based mainly in south Essex, had previously said the proposed home would be only for use by his own family, but his current application states only that it would be a “private dwelling for the proprietor of Beechlands”.
Gary Grant, also of Spareleaze Hill, said that Dr Kanandra bought Beechlands for just £100,000 with the full knowledge there was a covenant on it meaning it could only ever be used as a care home.
He said: “The market price on that house must have been £1.4 million at least. It is a nursing home and the elderly have rights not to be disturbed with a building programme, as do we. If this was proposed at the end of your garden you would feel equally dismayed and object.”
Dr Kanandra was unavailable for comment.
• Residents have until May 7 to comment on the current proposal by writing to Epping Forest district Council at its offices in Epping.
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