ELDERLY people in the area could benefit from a residential and nursing home planned for Penketh.

Officials from Arena Housing Association, based in St Helens, hope to build a facility on land off Stocks Lane, on part of the former infant school site.

The housing association has already gained outline planning permission for the home, which would provide 22 single bedrooms and three double bedrooms.

One resident said: "I think it will be a good project if it is helping people.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of people in the local community who could use such a facility.

"To keep using up green space by building houses is a problem.

"But this sort of project is great - disabled people don't get many facilities and you can't get enough places like this."

Plans state that there would be 17 parking spaces provided at the facility and that its structures would be a maximum height of 9.8 metres.

It is also stated that the work would involve the construction of a new access to the highway.

And the project would also mean that trees would be felled.

There is currently an oak tree and two silver birches on the site.

Penketh and Cuerdley councillor Linda Dirir said: "We need to have a good look at the plans and see whether we are happy about it.

"There's no doubt the residents will have been asked for their views.

"They should make them known to the council now."

Council planners will make a final ruling on the scheme.