HOPES for removing a controversial eyesore from the seafront were given a boost on Wednesday (September 8) when council planners agreed to a rethink over development plans.

Although a plan for new flats on the site of the former Blackburn Convalescent Home on Clifton Drive North, St. Annes, was turned down yesterday, it could be reconsidered if a few modifications are made and plans are re-submitted.

With a vote of just 15 to 10, the decision was made by Fylde Borough Council's planning committee to refuse Blackpool builder Crowden Collins's vision of 18 mews homes and six two-bedroom flats on the former children's home because of the scale of his proposals.

Chief development control officer for Fylde, Paul Drinnan, commented on the result: "Obviously this site has been in disrepair for some time and it's not the first time development plans have been submitted.

"A nursing home scheme was proposed and turned down before. However, they did get planning permission for extensions to the footprint of the b uilding and so, having agreed in principle to development before, the members cannot renege on that.

"Their only problem is with the scale of the flats and some minor alterations to design etcetera. If Mr Collins appealed, with some modifications, he may get approval."

The Citizen can reveal the first glimpse of how the South Fylde eyesore could transformed if Mr Collins is given the go-ahead should he choose to appeal.

Mr Collins also exclusively told the Citizen he felt the presentation by officers was an excellent one and he would be discussing proposals for further talks with the committee although he preferred not to make a statement at this time.

Those who appose rebuilding on the St Annes site include Lytham St Annes Civic Society and the Royal Fine Arts Commission who feel it is an infringement on the area's green belt.

They believe the home should be demolished and the area returned to sand dunes.

But a recent report to the planning committe stated: "There is an outstanding opportunity to secure improvements to a site which has become an eyesore and will remain a visual problem in a very prominent location until an alternative development is realised soon.

"Current proposals have considerable merit and would create a very prestigious development."

Architect John Fallows from the Fallows Gowen Partnership has drawn up a selection of artists' impressions of the proposed homes and surrounding area which were shown to members during the meeting.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.