PUBLIC consultation on a care home developer's plans for a new £12million facility in place of a former fire station has started.

Angela Swift Developments (ASD) has sent formal proposals to the council for the site on Millfields in Eccleston.

As the Star reported in August ahead of the submission, the proposal involves the demolition of the former Eccleston Fire Station site to create a 66-bedroom facility in its place with views over the reservoir.

This would provide 24 hour support and care for elderly people with residential and dementia needs, the applicants say. It is anticipated the development would create around 60 jobs in the area, the developer adds.

Two pre-application consultation events were held in Eccleston Village Hall for people to meet members of the project team, view the proposal and ask questions.

The standard 21-day public consultation process following the formal submission of the plans has now begun with residents able to have their say on the application.

A CGI of the plans

A CGI of the plans

A design and access statement drawn up in the application, on behalf of the applicants, stated: "We believe that a low impact use such as a care home is the perfect way to foster the redevelopment of the site in a manner which will enhance its character and provide in the region of 60 jobs.

"It is clear that the council recognises the importance of the roles played by residential homes in meeting the special housing needs of the community and we feel this site is ideally located to link with transport networks for visitors, residents and employees.

Before the submission of the plans, Angela Swift, managing director of ASD, said: “We were delighted to meet local residents at the consultation. We found they were very positive towards a much needed luxury care home development on the site.”

The standard consultation lasts until Wednesday, November 3.

View the application here.