PLANNING councillors have put controversial hospital plans on hold so they can have a look at the site themselves.

A 320-name petition protesting about the plans to build a new 32-bed unit at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in Elton has been delivered to the council.

Nearby residents fear that the development at the hospital for deaf people with mental health problems would create too much traffic and noise pollution, would threaten wildlife and would not be in keeping with the surroundings.

The new building would be similar to another 32-bed unit which has recently been built at the site. The secure facility is the first of its kind in Europe and houses patients who may have committed criminal offences but does not have places for sex offenders.

Nearby resident Ian Smith, who lives in Connaught Street, said: "With all of the visitors and staff we think that there will be much more traffic than anticipated.

"We do not believe that the appearance of the new buildings, particularly security fencing is appropriate to the area.

"In addition to this, we are worried that trees with protection orders would be felled at the site and that wildlife would be disturbed."

Director of site owners Mayflower Hospitals, Philip Marsh, said: "There were about 140 beds in the 1980s whereas we are talking about only 80 patients.

"Staffing ratios will be similar to what they were when the hospital was used for the elderly and people with learning disabilities.

"We have worked with the local authority so that the new build is sited specifically where it will not damage tres and wildlife."