PROPOSALS to demolish a care home in order to build 12 houses have been withdrawn by the applicant – but plans could be resubmitted in the near future.

Cotebrook House in Lymm has been left vacant since it shut its doors in late 2015, and developers had submitted an application to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department to bulldoze the 2,000sq m building in order to construct 12 four-bedroom homes.

Described as ‘unique’, the Oughtrington Lane home had cared for people with memory loss and learning difficulties for nearly 70 years.

But the home was in need of major renovation work and was below the required occupancy level to keep it sustainable.

A total of 48 staff at the home lost jobs, while 25 residents – including one who had lived at Cotebrook House for more than 50 years – were forced to find alternative care when it shut.

Thelwall-based Lane End Developments said that no interest had been expressed in reopening Cotebrook House since then.

A statement submitted by Land End Developments as part of its application said: “As a result of its redundant and derelict state, the site has a negative impact on the visual amenity of the green belt – the reuse of the vacant site will improve the overall visual appearance.

“It is evident the site has been on the market for a considerable amount of time with no interest from the care market.

“The site is currently vacant and provides an opportunity to contribute towards the housing supply whilst also providing betterment.

“The plans show dwellings which wholly reflect the character of the area – the site could provide 12 detached houses with more than sufficient garden space suitable for growing families.”

But the application has been withdrawn by Lane End Developments in order to give it extra time to complete surveys to find out whether there are bats living on the site.

Once completed, it is expected that the applicant will resubmit the plans at the end of next month.