A DERELICT former Indian restaurant is set to be bulldozed and replaced with 93 apartments in a multi-million pound development.

Plans have been submitted to knock down the Bayleaf in Longbarn, which has been vacant since January last year, and construct a four-storey block of apartments for over 55s.

The 10,000 square metre Harpers Road site will house 47 one-bedroom and 46 two-bedroom flats and will also feature a franchised bistro and hairdressers for residents, who will be of varying levels of care-need.

Submitted by Lane End Developments, the plan is expected to create 10 full-time jobs.

The Bayleaf site was heavily vandalised in February this year after a group of travellers set up an encampment of 10 caravans there, and the vice chairman of the Longbarn Residents Association welcomed a development that will transform an ‘absolutely disgraceful’ site.

Lynn Colter-Howard said: “We have been working closely with Lane End Developments and they have consulted with us throughout the planning process.

“They have taken us to see two other similar sites and we were very impressed with them.

“It looks absolutely beautiful and it will fit in nicely with the estate.

“At the moment the site is an absolute disgrace, especially since the travellers were on there, and something needs to be done about it as soon as possible.”

The adjoining Longbarn Bowling Green, which is a nominated asset of community value, will remain open to the public.

Ms Colter-Howard added: “There has been an issue with the bowling green but that will be included in the plans, so it will remain and it will be open to all residents of Longbarn.

“I’m hoping there will be very few residents with objections.

“It will be great for Longbarn and the residents of Longbarn and hopefully everything goes to plan.”

A consultation period on the proposals is now ongoing.