Shaw Healthcare is planning to move contractors onto the Leadon Bank site by Christmas and start major building work in the New Year.

Herefordshire Council approved a planning application on Friday for a new old people's homewith a main wing fronting Orchard Lane.

The 43 residents of Leadon Bank will stay in the existing home, to the rear of the development, during building work.

The new complex will have 54 residential flats, a ten-bedroom re-ablement unit and a day care centre with 20 places.

The existing home will be demolished to make way for a car park.

Local residents campaigning against the building call it "too dominant, too tall and too close to the road".

Paddy Hehir, Shaw's development director, said he was delighted at the planning approval and added: "Of course, we have been disappointed by the opposition and the delays, and the uncertainty this has caused for staff and residents."

He continued: "We are disappointed because this will be a superb resource for Ledbury and a cornerstone of our care strategy in Hereford-shire, and the whole purpose of having local services is to benefit local people."

The home will be run by Shaw in partnership with Herefordshire Council.

Despite the approval, protesters went ahead with a parish meeting at Ledbury Community Centre on Tuesday and voted to press ahead with a demand for a local referendum. The poll will cost Ledbury Town Council up to £3,500.

They are also looking into appealing against the planning decision.

Spokesman Darren Stokes said that through MP Bill Wiggin, they are seeking a meeting with the planning directorate of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

One hope is the Govern-ment might call in the approved application for reconsideration.

They are also considering complaining to the Ombudsman.