A DERELICT nursing home dubbed a death trap by neighbours could get a new lease of life.

A scheme to turn Tudor Court Residential Home on Hough Green into six flats is in the hands of council planners.

Neighbours had raised concerns after break-ins at the property following its closure more than four years ago, with claims it had become a drinking den for youngsters.

And their worst fears were realised when the home was ravaged by fire following an arson attack last December.

Developer GK Construction inherited planning permission for six flats from previous owner Grace Developments.

It explored the possibility of developing a nursery or special needs unit, but has now decided to seek permission for six larger flats.

'There would have been too much resistance to anything else in a residential areaand thecouncilwerevery non-committal when they saw the architects' drawings,' said GK Construction spokesman Will la Bella.

'We are trying to make the flats slightly bigger which will mean they are more commercially viable.'

Helen Martin, who lives nearby in Woodlands Road, said: 'Anything would be better than what's there at the moment.'

Curzon and Westminster councillor, Richard Short, said: 'I am a little anxious because this looks larger than the previous proposal and the site is pretty cramped as it is.

'But flats are the preferred use and it would be great if we could get this eyesore out the way.' rob.devey@cheshirenews.co.uk

CONTROVERSIAL designs for new homes on Hough Green - last year compared to a 'prison' by one objector - have been scrapped.

New plans for the site at 15 Hough Green have now been approved by Chester City Council, which will see the existing house turned into two properties, with eight apartments built on an adjacent orchard. There will be 12 parking spaces.

The two buildings now feature a larger conservatory, dormer windows and new porches which the developers say improves the appearance of the scheme.

Two residents objected to the proposal.

Planning officer, Nial Cassleden, said: 'This proposal would result in a well-designed building, in keeping with the Curzon Park Conservation Area, creating a scale and mass appropriate to other buildings in the vicinity.'