PROPOSALS to build a 96-bedroom residential home in Waltham Abbey are being opposed by the town council.

Applicant Runwood Homes wants to demolish the former Thomas Tallis School on Hillhouse and replace it with a nursing home for elderly people with dementia.

But councillors have raised concerns that there is insufficient parking and vehicle access.

They are also worried about the increased strain on existing water supply and sewerage disposal.

Mayor Stuart Pryde said: “We’re opposed to any development to a school site. We feel it should be given over to the school for them to use. It ha sat empty for many years and has been a problem with vandalism but it’s a valuable area with green space attached to it and it could be used for something by the school.”

The new home would create 41 full-time positions and four part-time positions, but Waltham Abbey Town Partnership chairman Norma Green said the town does not have sufficient infrastructure to cope.

"Have we got enough doctors?" she said. "We certainly don't have enough chemists to cope with prescriptions. Both of the chemists have an hour’s waiting list which isn't great for elderly people.

“We do need more nursing homes but I think the shortage of the doctors in the area would have to be addressed before we encourage anymore homes."

But Sam Eheekoory, business operative director for Runwood Homes, said the town needs a new residential home.

He said: "We know there's a demand for dementia care in this area. We haven't figured out what different levels of care there will be but the main feature will be dementia care.

“There might be a demand for more GP surgery's but these people are already living in the local area so it won't increase that. It could in fact reduce the impact on doctors surgeries because it means those people living in the area with dementia will receive suitable care."

The home is unlikely to be built until the latter part of next year as plans are still in the early stages.

But Mr Eheekoory promised there would be open days to present plans to the community.

The application shows the development will be an E-shaped building consisting of two and three storeys.

Two courtyard gardens are proposed with a pond and water feature in one. The building will replace the existing redundant single storey school building.