A controversial plan to extend a Teignmouth care home has been recommended for approval by Teignbridge planners, despite opposition from neighbours and Teignmouth Town Council.

The application for a two-storey extension to Southernhay Retirement Home, Second Drive, will be considered at Teignbridge Council's Development Control Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Owner Mary Crook wants to invest £100,000 to provide five extra bedrooms for those suffering from Alzheimer's and senile dementia. The home already has 17 rooms and 15 carers.

Mrs Crook says there is demand for more bed spaces, particularly for respite care. She said the scheme would provide at least one more job and make the business more profitable.

Objectors claim the extension would dominate neighbouring properties, robbing them of light and privacy.

Alongside the nine objections that have been sent in Teignmouth Town Council has also objected, pointing to the piecemeal development of the site. They say that the loss of more garden would be unacceptable.

One letter has been sent supporting the application.

Recommending approval, Teignbridge planners said: 'It is difficult to demonstrate harm to the character or appearance of the conservation area from public view or vantage point.'