MORE than four years and 10 planning applications later, work to restore a former care home in Potters Bar is finally set to begin. After protracted negotiations with developer Antra, Hertsmere borough councillors have now given the green light to plans t

MORE than four years and 10 planning applications later, work to restore a former care home in Potters Bar is finally set to begin.

After protracted negotiations with developer Antra, Hertsmere borough councillors have now given the green light to plans to regenerate Honeywood House in Darkes Lane.

The Harpenden-based company wants to rebuild the property, which lay derelict for many years and has now been demolished, as a 70-bedroom nursing home, with car parking spaces for 18 vehicles.

And now after agreeing to no fewer than 19 planning conditions, the firm can start work on the project, which was first mooted in November 2004.

In granting permission, councillors sitting on the Potters Bar and Shenley planning committee noted the development "has no detrimental influence to the surrounding area in amenities or in aesthetics".

But they did stipulate the development must provide on-site bicycle parking and should have a parking management plan so as to avoid "unnecessary overspill parking occurs in neighbouring residential roads".

The developer must also ensure the new building will be accessible to the disabled and that all building materials used in the construction will "enhance the character and visual amenities of the area".