A decision to approve plans to expand a care home to almost six times its current size could face a legal challenge from campaigners.
Proposals to extend the Broomhill care home, in Holdenby Road, Spratton, from 15 beds to 99, were approved by Daventry District Council last month.
Opponents to the plans have now taken legal advice from specialist planning counsel, and believe they have “very strong grounds” for a judicial review.
Decisions to approve or reject developments can only be taken on planning grounds, and the campaigners believe this did not happen.
The plans were submitted by St Matthews Healthcare, and objections include the size of the building, its sustainability and its impact on the landscape.
Spratton resident Paul Honeywell, who has led the campaign, said: “We are investigating the possibility of a judicial review and have informed Daventry District Council.It is in the hands of the barristers.
“We believe the council did not take full account of policy and the recommendation to approve it was not correct.
“The vote was 7–5 in favour, which was quite close, and we believe with the correct advice they would not have voted that way.”
Sean Sidhu-Brar, director of St Matthews Healthcare, has previously said the facility would cater for elderly people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He said: “It is an investment of nearly £7 million, which will create 100 jobs.”
Maria Taylor, community manager at Daventry District Council, said: “It is not appropriate for the council to comment on whether or not any complaints have been made about this application or any other active cases.
“I can, however, confirm I am entirely satisfied this planning application was considered by planning committee on its merits and I do not have any concerns about the report to committee, the process or procedures followed.”