By George Lythgoe

A vacant office block in Stockport that was set on fire, vandalised and occupied by drug dealers could be transformed into a high dependency nursing home. 

The former home of Call 24/7 on Eastwood Drive in Marple has been abandoned since 2010. Due to vandalism plus water and fire damage, the office building is deemed to be unsafe internally.

The plan put forward is to demolish the buildings at Westwood House and bring in a new 85-bed care home.

A list provided by the Community Safety Unit at the council stated that the site has become a hub for 'young people engaging in underage drinking, drug taking and sexual acts'. The list stated there have been persistent calls to the police and fire service to the area as a result.

It is hoped that this new development, if approved, could bring new homes and more jobs. The anti-social behaviour occurring at the site is having a detrimental impact on neighbours and this new development would improve that, the planning statement explained.

Detailing the issues at the site since it was vacated, the planning statement said: "The buildings were broken into shortly after WNS vacated them. Initially all the copper pipe work was stolen, which flooded the buildings. 

"The buildings were then vandalised and for a period occupied by drug dealers. Initially wooden shutters were fitted to the ground floor windows and at the time the front office building was then set on fire, severely damaging the roof and first floor. 

"The buildings were broken into by removing the shutters and separately by sledge hammering through a brick cavity wall. The rear building was then set on fire causing more internal damage. 

"Steel shutters were then fitted to all windows and doors, (as requested by Stockport Council). Due to the vandalism, water damage and fires the buildings are internally unsafe."

The surrounding area is mainly residential with a housing development being constructed after 2010 by Morris Homes. Due to this proposal being residential by nature, the developers believe it is more appropriate use of the site compared to office buildings.

The applicant, named as Mr Ian Griswold, has also been in contact with council teams and believe this could help reduce demand for care home facilities. The planning statement also suggests this facility would reduce pressure on local health services such as hospital beds and GPs.

No decision has been made on this outline application by Stockport Council.

~

READ MORE: Pop-up uniform shop offers savings for families strapped for cash

~

Struggling with the cost of living crisis? Find out what help is available by clicking the government banners on this site.

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter