State regulators have denied a request by Rex Healthcare to build urgent care and diagnostic facilities in Holly Springs and west Cary, according to hospital officials.

Rex presented plans in November for a $6.8 million urgent care center and a $7.7 million satellite cancer center in west Cary as well as $5.5 million urgent care center in Holly Springs.

The Raleigh-based hospital said the facilities were needed to meet the needs of a growing population in those areas.

It intends to appeal the decision.

Rex, which is owned by UNC Health Care, did receive state approval to purchase new equipment for radiation treatments. The new system will allow Rex to more precisely deliver radiation treatments that will reduce exposure to nearby healthy tissue.

“We are very disappointed the state denied our applications to expand quality health care to Holly Springs and western Wake County,” said David Strong, Rex Healthcare president, in a prepared statement. “We are confident these plans meet community needs and state requirements and will be approved upon appeal.”