The state of North Carolina has denied a request that would allow Rowan Regional Novant Health in Salisbury to expand.

The hospital submitted a proposal to build a 50-bed hospital in Kannapolis.

Last month, the state approved Carolinas Medical Center's request to build a free-standing emergency room in the same area.

Officials with RRNH say they have not been given a reason as to why their request was denied, but a hospital official said they will most likely appeal the decision.