A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to redevelop a former children's home set in the St Annes sand dunes is set to get under way later this year.

Rossendale based Hurstwood Group has bought the former Blackpool and District Children's Home, Clifton Drive North and intends to build 18 luxury apartments in a £5 million scheme.

Permission to go ahead with the development was eventually granted by Fylde Borough Council to Blackpool-based Crowden Collins two years ago after a bitterly contest five-year planning battle

It came despite opposition from groups opposed to development of the dunes, who wanted the former children's home removed and the area restored to its natural state.

"This is an imaginative, ambitious and highly prestigious project that will completely transform what is currently an eyesore for the area," said Hurstwood Group chairman, Stephen J Ashworth.

"I am convinced that the apartments will be much sought after because they will benefit from a wonderful location on the dunes. Hurstwood originally made its name with high quality residential projects and we believe this scheme will only help to enhance our reputation."

The company says it will retain the facade of the 1915 building, derelict since 1976 and hit by fire in 2000, in order to create the new apartments. It has also pledged to carry out 'major ecological works' to protect the dunes.

Hurstwood's project director, Frank Moran, said: "This is a technically challenging project because it has to be carried out in sympathy with the environment. We are therefore putting together a dunes management plan to ensure we protect the local area while work is in progress."