An ambition to build a care home on the former Myford's engineering site in Beeston is once again on the cards after fresh plans came to light.
A multi-million-pound dementia care village proposed under the previous landowner, expected to create 140 jobs, was given the green light in 2019.
But officials from Tanglewood Care Services Ltd have now tabled a new application for a 66-bed home with staff and visitor car parking, cycle storage and an ambulance drop-off area. It's also expected to include a bar, dining room and cinema.
A planning statement, submitted on behalf of the company, read: "The site presents an excellent opportunity for redevelopment for a new care home, being well located within the built-up area of Beeston, adjacent to existing residential and commercial development, with excellent accessibility to public transport and local amenities.
"The facility will add to the range and mix of housing in the district, and will provide a safe, secure and dignified environment for elderly residents, contributing to an identified local housing need."
The company behind the project operates seven care homes across the region, the plans clarify.
The former Myfords site between Ellis Grove and Barrydale Avenue was demolished in 2017.
The factory, which manufactured machine tools and lathes, closed in 2011 and large-scale planning applications were submitted - one to build 47 homes and another for a 75-bed care home and 30 supported living apartments.
The latest plans will replace the previously approved proposal for new care facilities.
"It is proposed to redevelop the vacant site to provide a new bespoke-designed, purpose-built, three-storey, 66-bed residential care facility for elderly people with associated access, car parking, ambulance drop-off area and new landscaping," the latest plans state.
Judy Sleath, spokeswoman and member of the Beeston and District Civic Society, said a care home was needed but added "it's a lot smaller than the scheme that was proposed before".
"They are what we need, there's been one or two certainly closed down in the past two-three years in the area for whatever reason and they are needed.
"It's a good spot for it because it's right on the very edge of the town.
"The previous [plan] had its own facilities within the site, like it had a hairdresser/spa-type thing. "
She added: "I just hope this goes ahead this time because we do not want this big empty space. It's something that is needed in the town."
But she said potential access from Ellis Grove and parking for the care home could be a problem.
"There's nowhere for them to park. Of course you can't park on the High Road because the tram lines are there," she said.
"Your nearest car parking will be behind the Co-op which is the Co-op car park."
Charterpoint Developments Limited and Peveril Securities Limited are also listed in the latest plans as applicants.
