Campaigners have claimed a victory for Baildon’s ageing population after permission was granted for a £3 million care home for elderly people.

Developer Brendan Holt, who lives in Baildon, has been told by Councillors he can demolish Laverley House in West Lane, and build the 56-bedroom nursing home.

Objectors claimed the proposed home was too big for the site, that building in gardens was “garden grabbing” and that there were nearby homes with empty spaces ready to be filled.

The objectors included Bradford Conservative Councillors Roger L’Amie – who lives 300 metres from Laverley House – and Val Townend, as well as Shipley MP Philip Davies.

Coun L’Amie told a meeting of Bradford Council’s Shipley Area Planning Panel yesterday that proposals put forward looked “more like a budget hotel or office block”, which would overlook neighbouring properties. He said: “This is not development of brownfield land, this is garden-grabbing par excellence.”

However, Ian Lyons, speaking on behalf of its supporters, said Baildon needed high-quality homes to be able to care for the ageing population.

Mr Lyons said: “This is a real victory for elderly people who live in our community who will be able to stay in Baildon and receive care at the state of the art facility they deserve.”