PLANS for new 141 bed care home near Romsey and Southampton could be given the green light next week.

Proposals for the new care home, at Bargain Farm, Nursling, were set to go before planners last year.

But now, the plans will be decided in the Southern Area Planning Committee meeting next week by Test Valley Borough Council.

The proposal, put forward by the London-based company Hamberley Development Ltd, includes a 80-bedroom nursing home with a focus on nursing, personal and dementia care.

Developers also wanted to build a 61-bedroom nursing home which will provide neurological rehabilitation services for individuals who require long-term support, rehabilitation, respite or short-stay care.

Developers say could create up to 190 jobs, and ahead of the meeting, planning chiefs recommend the proposals will be approved.

In the report which said it was previously refused, the reasoning was: "The proposed vehicular access onto Frogmore Lane represents unjustified development in the countryside in that it has not been demonstrated that it is essential for the development to be located the countryside."

The proposal also includes a new highway access from Frogmore Lane, landscaping and parking for 105 cars and 10 bicycles.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Blackwater on the borough council, said: "As our population ages one of the challenges we have is finding sufficient space to provide safe and suitable housing for those needing care in their older age.

"I’m glad therefore that applications of this type are coming forward.

"Each application needs to be considered on its own merit however, and this application is in a location which has proved controversial in the past, so I hope the Planning Committee give due weight to both the identified need locally, but also concerns of local residents.”

The firm previously vowed to recruit the staff needed from the local area.

As previously reported, the company said the chosen site is also in good proximity to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Southampton General Hospital and has access to public transport links.

Hamberley Development Ltd have been contacted for comment.

The decision will go ahead of planners on Tuesday, February 18.