AN ACCUSATION of Nimbyism angered Caversham Heights protesters as plans to build a block of 43 elderly care flats in Albert Road were approved last Wednesday.

The public gallery was packed at the sweltering planning committee, made all the more stifling when Councillor Tony Page, deputy leader of the council, accused objectors of harbouring a 'NIMBY element'.

His comments and the decision to approve the four storey Arthur Clark Care Home on council owned land were met with shouts of “shame” and “call this democracy?” before the 288 written objections to the build were eventually dismissed.

Cllr Page said: “The issue of demand is such that some of us might have in ideal terms pressed for an even larger development.

“I realise there is an intensity of feeling locally and I have to say amongst, some, not all, of objectors, it is a convenient cloak to say we support the principle but...

“I would suggest an even lower development would get objections.

“I don't say that with regard to all, but I have to say there is a NIMBY element to this that I find regrettable.”

As well as inciting the wrath of Caversham residents, Cllr Page's comments split the planning committee, with five councillors voting against and six in favour.

After calling on Cllr Page to apologise for his NIMBY comment, Cllr Isobel Ballsdon argued on behalf of the Caversham contingent.

She said: “A less dense development and one that wasn't four stories would reduce the need for parking therefore reduce the spillage onto the neighbouring roads. The current provision is inadequate.

“Because of it being prominently on the highest part of the area it would be overly dominant.

“We want this to be something Reading is proud of.”

Cllr Ballsdon went on to argue that the plans be sent back to A2Dominion to address concerns over size and to provide the developers with an opportunity to engage with residents, many of whom felt their objections had not been properly considered.

Jenny Watson, whose back garden will be overlooked by the care home, said after the meeting: “There were some very strong arguments as to why the decision should have been deferred.

“We are just desperately sad.”