Care home in Westbury to expand

18 June 2010, 10:58 | Updated: 18 June 2010, 11:39

Locals not impressed despite owner's efforts

Indian Prince Vishal Jadeja (pictured) has won planning permission to expand his Westbury-on-Severn care home ­­­­- but is still committed to winning over opponents to his scheme who live nearby.

He has invited some of the locals, who objected to his planning application, to come and inspect Severn Care Ltd at Gatwick House in Upper Rodley Road, for themselves.

Vishal, a former Bollywood film producer and a member of the Jadeja dynasty which ruled over the Indian principality of Morvi for three centuries, started the Severn Care as a home for adults with learning difficulties last year, with full planning approval from Forest of Dean District Council.

Heart's Kate Justice spoke to Vishal about his plans:

Click here to listen to the interview.

Vishal moved to the UK in 2003 and started working as a volunteer in the care homes sector, learning the care business from the ground up, and after five years he launched his own company.

He since applied for permission to create new office space for training in specialist care, accommodation for two residents and a dayroom, but Westbury on Severn Parish Council and a number of nearby residents objected.

The application came before the council’s Development Control Committee on May 11 when members considered complaints from nearby residents and the parish council, but deferred a decision pending further deliberation.

On June 8 the committee finally approved the application after planning officers recommended acceptance.