Louisburg, N.C. — Franklin Regional Medical Center officials announced Thursday that they plan to appeal a state ruling that denied their request to move the facility.

Hospital administrators wanted to move from their 8-acre site on U.S. Highway 401 in Louisburg and build a new facility on a 50-acre plant near Highways 1 and 96 in Youngsville.

Officials said the move was necessary to update their facilities and handle the area's growing population.

According to town councilman Boyd Sturges, the state Division of Health Service Regulation informed Louisburg's attorneys of its decision Wednesday afternoon.