A PLANNING application has been submitted for a 66-bed care home at the old British Sugar factory site in Kidderminster.

LNT Care Developments wants to build a three-storey elderly person's care home on land off Silverwoods Way, near to the leisure centre, and around 60 jobs are expected to be created if Wyre Forest's planning committee gives the proposal the green light.

British Sugar closed its Kidderminster operation in 2004 and much of the site has since been redeveloped.

The planned care home would feature 21 car parking spaces and two disabled spaces, as well as an ambulance and taxi drop-off area.

Access to the site is proposed from a newly-formed road off Silverwoods Way via the existing roundabout.

A spokesman for LNT Care Developments said: "The LNT Group has developed 130 care homes nationwide, many of which have won awards, and has an excellent reputation for the quality of care and accommodation that it provides.

"This proposal is for an important local community care facility, the future residents of which are expected to originate from within a three mile radius of the site.

"The care home would generate between 50 and 60 jobs once completed, the majority of which would be filled by local candidates.

"As well as using local contractors and suppliers, the home will make links with local schools and community groups, becoming an important local community facility.

"The high specification care home is designed to be energy efficient and utilise renewable energy.

"It would offer those in need of care an improved quality and choice of accommodation and, should planning be granted, we would hope to start on site soon after, with the completed home ready to welcome residents 12 months later."