Former care home which was controversially closed set to be demolished by end of year amid vandalism

Holme Lea House, on Wood Lane in Rothwell, could be bulldozed by the end of the year.

The 29-bed home, which was run by Leeds City Council, was shut at the end of last year alongside short-stay residential unit Richmond House, in Farsley, to save money.

Earlier this week it was revealed that Richmond House is also in line to be demolished.

In a planning application for Holme Lea House, the council said the building had already “been broken into and vandalised” since it became empty.

The application added: “It is also an ongoing magnet for anti-social behaviour, which will result in more vandalism and complaints from local residents.

“Demolition of this building is considered the most economical way forward for the council, the proposal also contributes to the city’s and council’s ambitions through reducing the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour, also reducing the costs of securing and maintaining a building which is no longer required.”

The closure of both homes was criticised by residents, their families and opposition councillors.

But the local authority said both venues were under-occupied and closure would save £1.5m a year.

They also insisted that there was space to safely accommodate residents elsewhere.

Local planning chiefs will decide whether or not to approve both demolition jobs in the coming weeks.