A WIGAN-based national homes builder is bidding more than £1.7million to buy Blackpool's historic former miners' convalescent home.

The sale, to Wain Homes, is dependent on winning planning permission to convert the 71-year-old home on Bispham promenade to 33 luxury apartments, complete with a leisure complex for the residents.

The company also proposes about 80 flats and detached houses in the grounds - but not across the front gardens, leaving the view of the magnificent Grade 2 listed building unobscured.

Wain Homes land director Stephen Robinson said they hoped to submit their planning application within the next few weeks.

"It is one of the landmark sites in Blackpool and we'd like to bring it back to its former glory within the next two years," said Mr Robinson.

The home, owned by the Lancashire and North Staffordshire Miners Association, was forced to close with the decline of the mining industry. Originally put on the market three years ago through Blackpool estate agents Bentley Higgs for £2.5million, as time went on the price gradually dropped. Last year, Salford-based Williamson Homes made a serious offer of £1.75m, but its plans for 64 apartments and 100 homes in the grounds never got as far as a planning application.

The Grade 2 listing means any redevelopment must not spoil the appearance of the building and will have to win the support of English Heritage. Bispham councillor Don Clapham said: "I welcome the fact that there's movement on the future of the miners' home. It sounds less intensive than the previous application, which is in its favour, but I'll reserve judgment on the overall package until I've seen the fine detail of the lay-out and types of properties proposed.

"Certainly the fact that the facade would be unspoiled is very favourable. I look forward to seeing the plans and let's hope it's the right development for this premier spot."

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