Fresh concerns have been raised about plans for a new care home in the borough after a government research group found a link between air pollution and dementia. 

The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants published a report that concluded air pollution is likely to increase the risk of accelerated “cognitive decline” and of older people developing dementia. 

The findings reignited the debate regarding a controversial plan to build a new 70-bed care home, designed specifically for dementia patients, bordering the busy A329M. 

Councillor Gary Cowan urged Wokingham Borough Council to “not disregard” the committee of government advisors during a recent meeting of the executive, arguing that they are “much more informed” than the council officers. 

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He said the suitability of the site was raised with officers but claims they stated it was “not a material consideration” and that view was supported by the council’s legal department. 

Cllr Cowan emphasised that the report suggests air pollution is “a very serious issue” and advised the council that to take a decision based on “limited information” would be “inappropriate”. 

He added that it is for the executive to decide if Toutley is “still a good option” for the care home or if they should look elsewhere for a “more suitable” site. 

The executive member for planning and the local plan, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, acknowledged the report and said the council will need to take “due reference” from it. 

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The proposal has previously received objections from both residents and councillors who feel that the site is not appropriate for either houses or a care home.     

Due to the site's proximity to a fast-moving dual carriageway, noise assessments indicated that it would exceed recommended levels in some areas and many dwellings would require closed triple glazed windows to not be impacted.   

This would also affect air pollution levels as larger quantities of nitrogen dioxide are more commonly found in areas where there is traffic congestion. 

If the project goes ahead, vulnerable residents of Suffolk Lodge Care Home on Rectory Road would have to be moved to Toutley. Cllr Jim Frewin requested risk assessment and mitigation details regarding how the move would impact on them, particularly regarding “changes in noise and air quality”. 

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He added that the Toutley plan is “not a good idea” and suggested it appears to be done “for speed” and doesn’t “consider the “health and wellbeing” of the residents.  

The executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, Cllr David Hare, said the proposed development would “provide residents with the care needed” to support an aging population and promote a “better quality of life” for residents.