PLANS for a 54-bed mental health hospital in Exeter have been approved once again by the city council, almost eight years after permission was first given for the controversial project.

Cygnet Health Care was given permission for the new hospital on land off Ribston Avenue in 2018, complete with car parking, landscaping and open space.

At the time there were dozens of objections to the project on land near St Nicholas Catholic Primary School and a new housing development.

The hospital was initially granted planning permission in December 2018, although the application was debated again four months later by ECC after it admitted its consultation had been “inadequate” and it failed to properly consider the safety of children.

The first consultation received 235 objections, including one from the headteacher of the primary school who said allowing the hospital so close to the school would be unacceptable.

Objections also came in from controversial media personality Katie Hopkins, who took to social media to raise concerns.

Only one letter in favour of the hospital was received which highlighted a growing need for mental health care facilities, the importance of treating people locally and not stigmatising mental health, along with educational benefits to children.

Now the healthcare company has come back to the council asking for permission to amend the plans, specifically removing windows from the first floor and some glazing from parts of the building because offices and meeting rooms are no longer part of the proposals.

There are also proposals to make minor changes to access and parking.

The changes have been given the green light by city council planning officers, with a long list of conditions, paving the way for building to begin at last. Construction must start within three years.

The amendments do not alter the established approved use for the site to become a hospital.