Ingrow Green old people's home is likely to be replaced by an ultra-modern "home for life" on land next door.

Existing residents would not have to leave their homes until the new building is completed and could move together.

They would each get a separate flat, similar to that of sheltered housing, but with the higher levels of care associated with a residential home.

If the council's new Tory rulers adopt the plan they will be putting into action an idea put forward by their Labour predecessors.

When in opposition the two parties teamed up to stall the Labour proposal to shut Ingrow Green and replace it with a home for life.

They were particularly concerned that Ingrow Green's 29 residents would be split up among other local homes during the building programme.

Martin Leathley, a Labour councillor who represents Keighley, later suggested avoiding this problem by building the new home next door instead of on the same site.

Tory councillor Kris Hopkins, who recently took on responsibility for health and housing, believes such an option is now the only way forward.

He says: "The preferred solution of building new homes appear to meet the needs of its residents and at the same time offer new up-to-date homes for the people of Keighley for years to come."

The new building would have day care facilities, a laundry and shop on the same site, and would be a focal point for services for older people in Keighley

It would be developed in partnership with a housing association, which would be responsible for finding funding.

Several months ago Mr Hopkins spearheaded attempts to look in detail at the problems facing Ingrow Green and potential solutions.

The council had said the home might have to close because it did not meet modern health, safety and fire standards and the cost of improvements would be more than £1 million.

A "hands off Ingrow Green" campaign was launched by residents and their relatives, and opposition politicians called for more information.

Cllr Hopkins says the £1.3 million cost of refurbishing Ingrow Green does not represent value for money.

He adds: "I want to see a brighter long-term future for Ingrow Green offering high-quality homes for the elderly."

The home for life option is one of three due to be discussed on Tuesday by the council's ruling executive committee.

The other two options, to refurbish Ingrow Green or do nothing, are expected to be dismissed as too costly or unrealistic.

The proposals have been put forward by council experts following consultation with residents, relatives, voluntary support groups, health agencies and other organisations.