DEVELOPERS are waiting on an appeal decision to build 10 flats on the site of a former nursing home - as the two year anniversary of its closure approaches.

The scheme for Pinebeach care home in Mudeford was unanimously refused by Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee in July.

A previous proposal for the same number of flats on site from the same developers was approved in December 2016 and still remains valid.

The nursing home has been empty since is closed in December 2015 and problems with vandalism have taken place in that time.

Following the refusal in the summer, applicants Lifecaring Holdings Ltd have appealed the decision to the planning inspectorate.

Members of the planning committee turned down the scheme due to issues involving the impact of the development on the character of the street scene and potential to cause harm to neighbour amenity.

An appeal statement submitted on behalf of Lifecaring Holdings Ltd, says: "When scrutinised the council’s reason for refusal has proven to be insufficient to warrant planning permission being withheld; there is no unacceptable harm and clear overriding benefit in facilitating the delivery of a well-designed block of residential accommodation within a sustainable location, supplementing the council’s housing supply."

In the two years that have past since the nursing home closed, the site has been targeted by vandals on a number of occasions.

Despite efforts from residents in the immediate area around the site and police involvement, problems have been on-going.

Cllr Lesley Dedman said it was deeply disappointing that people were continuing to vandalise a building which previously helped so many people.

"We're doing our best to fence it off and keep it in a good condition, but it is difficult.

"Parents have a responsibility to know what their children are doing.

"I have confronted them myself so I know they are teenagers, who are then going home and their parents have no idea what they have been up to.

"The police have been involved, the director has been involved and so have the neighbours, but the parents of the vandals don't seem to be involved."