NO NEWS is definitely not good news for residents of a village near Christchurch as concerns are raised about the continuing deterioration of a former private school.

Despite declarations by developers that work was due to start in spring at Homefield School in Winkton, the plans to turn the dilapidated school into a 64-bed care home with 27 independent living units still remain only on paper.

Years of delays and disappointment preceded the application approved by Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee in November.

The school closed unexpectedly in 2005, nearly £1 million in debt, and has been the subject of several applications over the years, which have been made more complex due to the building being in a conservation area as well as in the green belt.

Since its closure the school has been a target for vandalism and trespassing with eviction notices served on travellers in the past.

And although residents, Burton Parish Council and Winkton Residents Association all expressed a desire to see the site used again, they were keen to get the right scheme for the important site.

But now, nearly eight months after the proposal was given the green light, the boarded up building and overrun grounds remain untouched.

Judy Jamieson, chairman of Burton Parish Council, said: “I have had no news about what is going on. It is such an eyesore. Homefield lies at the entrance to both the villages of Winkton and Burton and it’s not a great first impression for people coming through.

“As a parish council we are very keen that something should be done.”

A spokesperson for Christchurch council said the final legal agreements were being finalised and they hoped work would be able to start as soon as these were signed off.