More than 60 jobs could be created after plans to build a new £4.2m nursing home in Market Drayton were approved by district councillors this week.
Planning permission was given for the home, to be built on the site of a former builder’s yard in Shrewsbury Road, by North Shropshire District Council on
Wednesday.
As many as 60 new beds will be provided, giving the town a much-needed facility for vulnerable elderly people who are in need of residential nursing care.
Town councillors had given their backing to the plans at a meeting last week and wrote to the district council, giving their support.
The home will be run by Dr Mark Cowling and his wife Lynn, who own the Rylands Nursing and Residential Home in Newport.
“We are absolutely delighted, both on a personal level for the company and for Market Drayton,” Lynn said.
“We strongly believe it is the right thing for the town and it is what Market Drayton needs.
“It has not really sunk in yet that they said yes.
“We have got planning approval and we are excited that we can move forward.”
A previous application to build the nursing home was turned down last November when planning officials said it would have an over bearing impact on nearby homes.
They also said that the proposed development was of a scale that is inappropriate for the site.
Work is expected to start in November with the home due to open in the spring of 2010.
Dr Mark Cowling said: “The political support has been very strong because they understand both the opportunity to create jobs and that Market Drayton is lacking in this type of care.
“We moved into the area six years ago and it has become our adopted home.
“We are extremely happy here and feel a great loyalty to the area.
“We believe that we have demonstrated by our actions a desire to work with the local community.
“We also strive for excellence, which is surely what anyone would want from people running a nursing home.”
