IT’S been vandalised, smashed, burnt and wrecked but finally the future looks brighter for the former Homefield School in Winkton.

Plans to transform the ex-independent private school, which closed unexpectedly in 2005 nearly £1million in debt, have been approved by Christchurch Borough Council after months of negotiations with the developers.

The scheme from the Bournemouth-based Quantum Group will see a 64-bed-care home built along with 29 independent age restricted living units.

Outbuildings and the more modern parts of Winkton Lodge will be demolished but the central Regency section will be retained.

Over the years the building has been a target for vandals and arsonists, and the grounds and other structures are now in a dilapidated state.

Large hoardings were erected around the building when Quantum bought it in the later part of 2010, with plans submitted to the council in April last year.

Speaking at the planning control committee on Thursday, village resident Patricia Godwin said: “Since the school closed down my life has been made a misery by the continual vandalism and criminal activity, despite the best efforts of the developers.

“I feel very insecure and vulnerable in my own home.”

As well as finding hypodermic needles and other items in her garden over the years, she said a fire extinguisher was also thrown through her bedroom window once.

She added: “We (the residents) are one on this. The plans seem very attractive and they fit in with the village. We would be so happy if it goes through.”

The plans were supported by both Winkton Residents Association and Burton Parish Council.

Councillors felt the plans were sensitive to the surroundings and unanimously approved the application.

Henry Lumby, partner at Quantum Lifecare said: “We want to start as soon as possible and create a development that Winkton can be proud of.”

The development will create 50 fulltime jobs and 25 part time positions.