A BID to convert a former nursing home into bedsits has prompted more than 150 objections from local residents.

Following the move by the owners of the building at Elm Royd Nursing Home in Brighouse, local councillors organised a meeting for concerned residents.

Around 80 people attended the community meeting earlier this week over the change of use application to turn the former care home into a house of multiple occupation, turning the 42 bedrooms into bedsits.

Councillors Howard Blagbrough and Scott Benton have called for the matter to go to Calderdale Council’s planning committee to be determined.

Cllr Blagbrough (Con, Brighouse) said that nearby residents of a nearby retirement complex were extremely concerned about the bid.

He said many residents feared for their safety and that there would be an increase in crime, as they did not expect many professional people to take up the proposed bedsits.

The home, which closed in June after elderly residents had been found alternative accommodation, has also been put on the market.

Owner B&H Vincent states in planning documents: “There will be a programme of interior works schedule to meet current HMO requirements, and thereafter, to bring about continuous improvement to facilities.”

The report adds: “The accommodation will particularly suit professionals working in the locality.

“Prospective tenants undergo an application process which will establish suitability and which will involve the taking of references where appropriate and the carrying out of background checks related to previous living arrangements. In all cases sustainable tenancies will be sought.”

Rooms in the building are already being advertised on SpareRoom for £280 a month under a property guardianship scheme.

The former nursing home in Brighouse Wood Lane was inspected by the Care Quality Commission in October 2015, December 2016, and again in June - and received the same inadequate rating each time following a catalogue of failings.

Cllr Blagbrough said he thought it would be the end of October before the matter went before the planning committee.