Leeds City Council's west plans panel refused permission for a new home providing 81 rooms on the site of the former St Joseph's care facility in Outwood Lane, Horsforth.

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The original home – two Victorian villas linked by a 1970s building – closed two years ago and has now been demolished.

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The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy put forward proposals for a replacement ranging from three to five storeys.

A report to panel members said: "The proposal represents a strong contrast to the previous Victorian buildings by introducing a contemporary design that makes a strong visual statement on Outwood Lane."

But the scale of the development and the design attracted 80 objections. While not objecting to the principle of a care home, opponents said the design was out in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood and amounted to over-development.

Among the objectors were Cragg Hill and Woodside Residents' Group, Horsforth Civic Society, Horsforth Town Council, Newlay Conservation Area Society, Leeds Civic Trust and the three Horsforth ward councillors.

Diane Campbell, of the residents' group, said: "We believe the application is totally inappropriate."

She said the design of the building resembled a hospital rather than a care home.

Mr Stephen Sadler, representing the applicants, said the design was the result of an architectural competition and there had been briefings with councillors and residents in the area. He said planning officers had previously described the design as "outstanding" and argued it was
a scheme that did fit well with the site.

Coun Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) said he liked modern design but felt the one put forward for the care home was completely out of character with a residential area.

He added: "It looks more like a PFI hospital."

Coun Tom Leadley (Morley Borough Independents, Morley North) said: "The nearby buildings are domestic in scale and this building is too big, even if it is an imaginative design."

The panel voted unanimously to refuse planning consent.