PLANS for a new £7million 30-bedroom care and treatment facility on land next to Wellesley Hospital in Wellington have been backed by local councillors.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s planning committee gave their support to the proposals at their meeting earlier this month.

Cllr Bob Bowrah said: “I support his application – it’s good for Wellington.”

And Cllr John Thorne added: “This facility will bring more skilled jobs to the town.”

Applicants Montpelier Estates have said that the site at Chelston presents a “good opportunity to deliver an extension” to the existing Wellesley Hospital.

The applicants have that the proposed building will become a part of the hospital complex.

“The proposed development is intended to provide low secure accommodation for 30 residents in need of care and treatment due to learning disability and/or mental health needs,” said a spokesman for the applicants.

“The building will comprise patient en-suite bedrooms, day rooms, dining facilities, service support, staff support and ancillary offices.”

It is expected that the proposed accommodation will be provided mainly on two storeys, although a small part of the building will be three-storey in height with the top floor occupied by offices and communal facilities.

Although Wellington Town Council has given its support to the proposals a final decision rests with Taunton Deane Borough Council.

If given the go-ahead it is believed that the new hospital extension will create around 45 full-time equivalent jobs.

A report submitted to the council has indicated that it might take a year to build and provide around 84 jobs during the construction period.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Taunton Deane planners hope to have made a decision on the application by the middle of October this year.