SUCCESS in the removal of a planning condition means a rehabilitation centre for drug, alcohol and sex addictions will be developed in Cambridge.

A condition in the planning permission for Cambridge Nursing Home, in Dursley Road, meant that use of the building was restricted to care for the elderly.

Aspin Care Ltd and Gladstones Clinic Ltd at a Stroud District Council development control committee on Tuesday, February 10, were successful in having the condition removed in a unanimous decision by members.

News of the centre first came to light when Aspin Care, who are leasing the property to Gladstones, submitted an application to have the condition removed in October last year.

Many residents of Dursley Road responded angrily to the submission, fearing an influx of dangerous drug users and sex addicts to the area.

Since then Gladstones has attempted to alleviate public concern, stressing that they only receive clients who fully desire to get better, most frequently middle aged people living in middle-class households.

Despite this, worries are still prevalent among the community of Cambridge.

Slimbridge Cllr Mike Stayte, of Dursley Road, lives near the site of the nursing home where the clinic will now be developed.

He said to the committee: “The planning process should take into account the whole area, and not just this application in isolation. Two years ago the parish council asked for six affordable homes; we were given 24, and now we are expected to have a drugs, sex and alcohol rehabilitation centre right next door to this development.

“This is not the right development for this area.”

He continued: “The vulnerable children that are currently living opposite this development or those who are going to live in the social housing will not only be living next to this centre, but many will be overlooked by potential residents. Not a pleasant thought.”

However, despite objections, when the issue reached the members of the committee Cllr John Marjoram was quick to propose approval.

Cllr Roger Sanders said: "I'm going to be supporting this with John, and some of the language I've heard used I find quite distasteful.

"We have a duty to look after everyone in the community and make these facilities available to people whoever it is."

Cllr Marjoram's proposal to remove the commission was agreed upon unanimously.

Resident Di Wheatley, who also spoke to the committee in objection of the proposal, was disappointed with the result, and now hopesGladstones will work with the community to ensure everybody is happy.

"I'm disappointed but I think now it's about constructive engagement," she said.

"They may never have had an incident at their other clinics but it only takes one - and that's something we don't want.

"Gladstones now need to show they have big enough heart to engage with local people and show how they are going to go above and beyond to ensure their safety.

"On another note, I have only met one local person who was neutral in regards to this proposal. The planning team should be working for and with the local community and not against them."