PROPOSALS to knock down a former nursing home in Southampton for new £3m care facilities go before planners next week.

The building on the site of Northlands House in Westrow Road, to be run by BUPA, is scheduled to be open in two years and will include 101 bedrooms.

Council health chiefs approved a blueprint for the project last month.

It will now go before the planning panel on Tuesday for approval before work can finally get under way.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the scheme on condition BUPA upgrade street lighting and kerbs in the area.

The original home, which opened in 1949, closed its doors nearly two years ago despite a campaign by residents and their families to keep it open.

Residents were moved to other homes but will be relocated back to the new complex when it is completed.

Concern has been raised by neighbouring residents at the amount of on site parking at the new development.

But council officers insisted the 26 allocated spaces drawn up in plans will be sufficient for staff and guests.

A report for planning panel members said: "At present it is difficult to find curbside parking in Westrow Road or Northlands Road, or the adjoining streets, and so it is important that the site is able to meet its own needs in terms of car parking provision."