A local councillor was 'unconvinced' there was adequate demand for the move
Locals in a Norfolk town are fearing the area is becoming an "old people's home" amid ongoing plans for its eighth care home.
Developers are hoping to transform a disused three-storey factory into a 66-bed home for pensioners along Park Road, in Diss.
Diss Town Council has already railed against the plans, and claimed the move would "stifle economic progress".
South Norfolk Council is currently receiving hordes of furious objections, with one critic pointing out the town "already accommodates several elderly care facilities".
"A development of this scale risks turning the town into an ageing community, potentially discouraging younger people and families from settling here," the objection warned.
Meanwhile, others raised concerns about the construction possibly deterring the area's youngsters, driving down reasons to "stay and thrive" in the Norfolk town.
Locals have already raised their head above the parapet to fight against the proposed "dominant and oppressive" architecture.
They lamented the "bulk and scale remain out of character with the surrounding area", which was followed by the plans being revised to accommodate the complaints.
Now, the proposed scheme involves a rise in parking spaces from 27 to 29 as well as a pitched roof rather than a flat one.
Another upset homeowner expressed concerns over privacy. Glenn Smith said there are around 20 windows overlooking her garden.
"If they go ahead, we won't be able to sit out in the garden at all without people overlooking us," she said.
Tory councillor Graham Minshull said there were already issues with parking in the area, which risks being exacerbated by turning the old factory into a care home.
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"Is there a demand in the town? I am not convinced," Mr Minshull said.
But those in favour of rebuilding the luxury bedding firm Norfolk Feather Company, which fell into liquidation four years ago, argued that accommodation should be constructed to address life expectancies getting longer.
The Norfolk market town has a population nearing 10,000 - almost a quarter of which are aged 65 and above.
Across South Norfolk as a whole, the number of those above the age bracket jumped by 30 per cent between 2011 and 2021, census data showed.
LNT Care Developments has promised residents a "state-of-the-art, purpose-built care home", showing off illustrations of the lush-looking home.
South Norfolk Council's planning committee will rule on the controversial application tomorrow.
There are currently 30 care homes in Diss, while the newest addition would bring the number of nursing homes up to eight in the area.
A South Norfolk Council spokesman said: "As with all planning decisions, the committee will decide to approve or refuse solely on the merits of the application in front of them."
