A DERELICT nursing home building in Christchurch appears just days away from finally being demolished.

The former Pinebeach Nursing Home premises in Southcliffe Road has sat vacant since 2015.

A controversial planning application from Lifecaring Holdings was approved to flatten the building in Friars Cliff and replace it with a three-storey block of 10 flats the following year.

Subsequent proposals have been submitted and rejected although a decision is still to be made on the latest application made by current site owners Jackson Developments, which seeks to make amendments to the approved scheme.

However, workers have been seen on site in recent weeks, clearing out the building and preparing for demolition to begin, which could start before the end of this week.

Large piles of rubbish from inside the vacant premises could be seen stacked up next to diggers and other large vehicles at the front of the site.

Bournemouth Echo:

A Friars Cliff resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "It is a relief to finally see that the demolition will take place.

"While it has sat empty it has acted as a magnet for young people, who have gone onto the site and caused problems.

"At this stage we don't know what is going to be built in its place.

"The plans, which a lot of people objected to, were approved by Christchurch Borough Council, but there are the amendment plans currently in with BCP Council. We are still waiting to see what the outcome will be on that."

As reported, since the nursing home closed the site has been repeatedly targeted by vandals, who have caused anti-social behaviour issues for nearby residents.

The Jackson Developments scheme currently being assessed by council planning officers seeks permission to change the floor plans for each level of the proposed building, as well as the elevations, from those submitted by Lifecaring Holdings several years ago.

Bournemouth Echo:

A complete set of new plans from the Sandbanks-based property firm were withdrawn in April 2019. At the time, Simon Jackson, owner of Jackson Developments, said work would begin “as and when the right time comes”.

Discussing the current situation, Mr Jackson told the Daily Echo: "The existing building is being demolished and the site secured by the instructed contractor Glossbrook.

"If works progress beyond this stage it will be in accordance with the approved plans."