THE fourth set of plans to flatten a derelict former nursing home building in Christchurch to replace it with a block of flats have been withdrawn.

Proposals from Jackson Developments for the Pinebeach Nursing Home site in Southcliffe Road, Friars Cliff were pulled by the applicants before a decision was made by the local authority.

The building has been subjected to various incidents of anti-social behaviour since it closed in December 2015.

A planning battle has continued to spiral on regarding the site despite developers obtaining planning approval back in December 2016.

The application from Lifecare Holdings Ltd to demolish the existing building and replace it with a single unit of 10 apartments, along with basement parking, was granted by Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee.

However, this approval lapses after three years, leaving developers with just eight months to commence the scheme without requiring renewed permission.

Simon Jackson, owner of Jackson Developments, who now own the site, said: "A planning approval is in place. A discussion would have taken place between the council and the architect and withdrawing the application was the outcome."

On the granted proposal, Mr Jackson added: "The application was put in and approved a while ago. As and when the right time comes, we will start building."

The approved scheme came after more expansive plans with the same number of flats had been withdrawn by the Lifecare Holdings Ltd as the granted scheme.

In 2017, Christchurch's planning committee turned down a third scheme for the site, which sought permission for a larger build on the plot.

Residents in the area have been left waiting to find out if the withdrawal of the fourth application will see the demolition of the nursing home in the coming months or if another set of plans will be put forward.