Plans to build a 64-bed care home on the former Marler Hayley factory site in Eaton Socon have been given the green light by Huntingdonshire District Council.

The two-storey facility will create 40-50 new jobs and future residents are likely to come from a three-mile radius, according to the planning document.

The proposal was submitted to the district council by LNT Construction and care provider, Anchor.

The plan includes demolition of the Marley Hayley factory, which is said to be “dilapidated, having suffered several metal thefts”.

In consultation with the district council, LNT Construction said: “The site will contribute to the creation of a socially inclusive community, whilst also providing employment.

“The proposed care home should provide a character and form of development that should positively enhance the character of the site and surrounding area, whilst also offering an important local community service.

“The development would also have a positive impact within the area by creating new employment opportunities, both during construction and in the longer-term operation of the care home.

“In regeneration terms, it would also result in a positive use that would fulfil a social care need and provide a sympathetic development in terms of design and end use which is important from social, economic and physical regeneration perspectives.”

The site is currently accessed from Little End Road but the applicant has said that a new access route will be constructed off nearby Nelson Road.