MONEY has run out to finish the new Lewis-Manning Hospice in Poole.

The charity’s £2.8million building project on Evening Hill suffered a blow last week when Poole council rejected a vital planning application for an eco-home in its grounds.

Donations, grants and a charity bank loan have been spent and fundraisers facing a £700,000 shortfall cannot afford beds for the new hospice’s 23 bedrooms.

The early May opening date has been thrown into doubt.

Lewis-Manning CEO Elizabeth Purcell said: “To say we are very disappointed with the decision would be an understatement.

“We fully appreciate the implications of selling some of our land for development, but we felt the extremely sympathetic design of the eco-house was in keeping with many of the other developments we have recently seen in Poole.

“In addition, the fact that only a few people opposed the application, clearly suggested the majority of the local community were in favour.”

The planning committee turned down permission for the acorn-shaped house in Crichel Mount Road because of existing trees.

Elizabeth thanked the local community for supporting the 15-month rebuild, adding: “We really need everyone to help us get over the finishing line.”

Patient Juliette Britton from Kinson, Bournemouth, has been visiting Lewis-Manning Hospice for five years.

She receives lymphoedema treatment for the swelling of a limb after she received treatment for cancer.

She said: “The support and treatment I get at Lewis-Manning Hospice is very much a godsend to me, and I don’t think I could cope without it.”

Supporter Valerie Roberts said: “I have seen how much the hospice means to patients, I’ve had friends who have stayed there and they say it’s such a lifeline, from helping them to have a bath, getting their hair done and occupying their minds and putting their illness into perspective.

“The new facility is essential to the local community and fills a much needed gap.”