A FOUR-year wrangle over a derelict former nursing home - dubbed a 'death trap' by residents - is no nearer a solution after fresh plans were thrown out.
Proposals to demolish the eyesore Tudor Court Residential Home on Hough Green and turn it into six two bedroom flats with nine parking spaces were rejected by city planners.
Neighbours raised concerns after break-ins at the property, claiming it had become a drinking den for youngsters.
And their worst fears were realised when the home was targeted in an arson attack in December 2004.
Most opposed the scheme, saying the replacement structure would be too big and result in a loss of light and privacy.
They were supported by planning board councillors, even though officers recommended approval of the proposals. Site owner Glenco already has permission for six flats granted in March 2002 but says the size is not big enough to be commercially viable.
It explored the possibility of building a special needs unit, but decided against the idea due to likely opposition.
Curzon and Westminster City member, Cllr Richard Short, told the planning board the designs showed a 40% increase in the building footprint.
'This is made worse by the increase in ridge height of nearly 3ft,' he said.
'The property will dominate the area. We want to get rid of this eyesore but this is not the way to do it.'
Board chairman Cllr Colin Bain said the flats would be 'overwhelming'.
Welcoming the decision, neighbour Michael Martin, whose bungalow backs on to the building, said: 'People are happy to wait a bit longer to get something in sympathy and scale with the rest of Hough Green.
'We want rid of this eyesore but not at any cost. We don't want it replaced with something like a skyscraper.'
Frustrated Glenco spokesman, Will la Bella, said: 'If we can't get a scheme that is commercially viable, what's going to happen to the site?'
