The number of beds at a planned care home in East Renfrewshire are to be reduced, after councillors agreed to amend an application.

Northcare Ltd secured permission for a 68-bed care home with a cafe, cocktail bar and cinema room, as well as 23 assisted living apartments, last year.

But the firm applied to alter the plans for former school playing fields in Drumby Crescent, Clarkston, cutting the number of beds to 66 to “satisfy the requirements of the Care Commission.”

It also wanted to increase the height of the south wing, nearest to the houses in Drumby Crescent, from two storey to three.

East Renfrewshire councillors approved the changes after planning officials recommended it should be allowed to go ahead.

An official said he believed the changes will “improve the design.”

“It will make it look a more symmetrical design and it’s further away from the neighbours,” he added.

When permission was originally granted, planning officials had recommended it should be refused as the firm had not “satisfactorily demonstrated” that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on community facilities, such as GPs.

They also highlighted an objection by the area’s health and social care partnership [HSCP] which said there was an “overprovision of care home beds in the area and the applicant hadn’t provided “verifiable evidence demonstrating a proven need.”

However, councillors voted to approve the application and Northcare argued the HSCP’s comments disregarded “the economic benefits to residents.”

A total of 10 representations were submitted to the council, with concerns raised over the impact on traffic, loss of open space and “no need for care facilities.”

However, a report by council officials concluded: “It is considered that the proposal is in a sustainable location and could bring economic benefits to the area, as well as redevelop an area of vacant brownfield land.”