A DECAYING building in Skipton could be transformed into a community for retired people following a multi-million pound investment.

Barnoldswick-based Cawder Construction has submitted a planning application to turn Burnside House, the former children's home on Carleton Road, into a managed development with 39 self-contained homes.

The proposed complex will also feature a reception, offices for staff, a scooter store, common rooms, covered walkway, a lift, courtyard and 49 parking spaces.

The Victorian building has stood empty since 2000 and over the years has become a haven for vandals.

Repeated calls for North Yorkshire County Council to put it back into use fell on deaf ears, and in 2003 it was extensively damaged by a fire which was thought to have been started deliberately. Since then the building has fallen further into disrepair and the county council has had to spend thousands of pounds on its upkeep and on security measures to ward off intruders.

Tony Coupe, a partner in Cawder Construction, said the company would spend several million pounds transforming the building and its grounds into a peaceful, safe and secure environment. He said it would be ideal for people or couples who were retired or coming up to retirement and were looking to sell their homes, but still live in a nice, secure area.

Although nothing is set in stone, Mr Coupe said it was anticipated Goldsborough Estates would manage the complex.

This is part of BUPA Care Services and provides apartments and bungalows specially designed to provide independent living for people aged over 55. It has over 45 developments covering Yorkshire, North Wales and the North West and on-site management teams make sure residents' requirements are attended to.

Mr Coupe said Burnside House would be a good location for homes for retired people.

"It's an attractive place and very handy for walking into town. There's Tesco and all the things that an elderly person on their own or a couple would want."

He also explained that they would be sensitive to the age of the building and would transform it to the highest standard.

"The old building is going to look like new and will be renovated back to how it would have been when it was built hundreds of years ago," he said.

Mr Coupe added that the company had been working with planners and was hopeful planning committee members would look favourably on the proposed scheme.

He added that he was sure nearby residents who looked at the plans would be delighted.

"I can say with confidence it will be a nice building to be near and all the extensions at the rear will be single storey, so there won't be overlooking," he said.